Bouato Donald is a passionate youth leader devoted to advancing development, culture, and innovation. He actively promotes student engagement in academic, socio-cultural, and economic initiatives, convinced that empowered youth are the cornerstone of sustainable transformation. Guided by unity through shared values, his Pan-Africanism and commitment to the Commonwealth embody his belief in bringing people together through shared heritage and purpose. Donald continuously works to inspire collaboration, creativity, and inclusion among young people, fostering a generation of globally minded leaders ready to build a fairer, more resilient, and interconnected world.
My name is Gabsile Grace Ndukuya. I am a woman 25 years of age, from Swaziland (Eswatini). I am a student activist currently enrolled at the University of Eswatini for my BSc in Computer Science in Education degree. I am a student activist passionate about defending rights of students and rights of marginalized youth particularly young women and gender minorities. I am the current serving President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS). I am also the current serving Deputy Secretary General of the Southern Africa Students Union (SASU). I am as well an executive member of the Young Women of Africa (YWOA), Eswatini chapter currently serving as the Political Educator.
Mr Nyaninka Manjang is 30 years old and a Gambian by Nationality . He is originally from the North Bank Region of the Gambia, in a small village called Nuimi Jurunku. His parents migrated from Nuimi to settled in the coastal region of the country since his father was a teacher ( Quaranic ) . Presently, he lived with only his mother as he lost his father in 2014.
Studied Education at Gambia College then Human Resources Management at Management Development Institute. Currently, I hold BA in Development Studies and am pursuing my Master’s of Science in Pubic Administration at the University of the Gambia.
Portia Ahenkan Agyemang is a physician and health advocate serving as Assistant Technical Service Manager at the Youth Employment Agency and the 58th Secretary for Women Development at NUGS, representing over 13.5 million students. She leads initiatives in women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, menstrual health, and rehabilitation, including She Means Business, RedDOT Shield, and Dare to D.R.E.A.M. She previously helped secure funding to build a free-access school in Kokrobite. A Best Negotiator Award recipient, she champions inclusive leadership and youth development.
Kisero Kennedy Otieno is a passionate Kenyan youth leader and education advocate who currently serves as the Secretary General of Kenya Methodist University Students Association and Spokesperson of the Kenya Universities Students Organization. He leads upskilling and mentorship programs at Youth Advocacy Africa, empowering young people through capacity building and career readiness. Kennedy advances student welfare, mental health awareness, and policy dialogue across Kenyan campuses. As Kenya’s representative to the Commonwealth Students Association, he champions education as a transformative force for Africa’s development, with students leading social and economic progress.
I’m Tlotliso Manko, a dedicated political activist & youth leader serving in the Youth League of the Basotho Action Party. Currently in final year of a BA Sociology at the National University of Lesotho. Passionate about student representation and social justice, previously served as the Campus Government Secretary for Administration and now leads as President of Basotho Students in Action (BaSA). I’m a committed gender advocate, serving as Treasurer of Young Women of Africa – Lesotho Chapter, and actively contributes to youth development in GEM Institute Group_UNESCO LESOTHO youth desk.
My work centres on education advocacy, youth empowerment, and amplifying student voices nationally.
Alexander Madalitso Kude, 23, is a dynamic and visionary Malawian leader and a 2025 graduate of Textile Engineering from the Malawi University of Science and Technology. A passionate advocate for sustainable development and youth empowerment, he made history as the first re-elected President of the MUST Student Representative Council, where he helped shape the university’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan.Currently serving as an Intern and Community Engagement Officer with The Hunger Project Malawi, he supports the construction of sand dams and promotes rural water access (SDG13). His professional experience spans quality assurance at OG Plastic Industries and migration research with IOM.
Mahima Runglall is the Country Representative for Mauritius within the Commonwealth Students Association (CSA) Africa Region. She actively engages with youth groups at university and within NGOs on governance, transparency, and human rights. She is currently pursuing an LLM in Human Rights, which shapes her interest in rights-based advocacy, student representation, and social justice. She is committed to ethical leadership and creating spaces where young people can meaningfully participate in decision-making. Through her role, Mahima is committed to ensuring Mauritian youths’ voices are heard at regional level and to strengthening collaboration among Commonwealth students across Africa.
A law student and servant leader, with resolute commitment to student advocacy, firm governance and real initiatives that amplify students and meaningfully impact policy.
Emmanuel Ayantayo is an inspiring engineer, strategist, and youth advocate passionate about unlocking potential and driving transformation across Africa. As Executive Director of EAFoundation, he champions initiatives that empower young people through education, innovation, and leadership. A recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award, Emmanuel’s impact extends through his work with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), where he supports sustainable trade and development. Currently pursuing an MBA at Nile University of Nigeria, he blends vision, strategy, and service believing that empowered youth and purposeful leadership are catalysts for lasting change.A
A passionate youth leader and student advocate who believes that education is not about molding people but about sharpening the brilliance that already lies within.
With a background in youth leadership and active involvement in student movements, his work focuses on helping young people build professional skills, find career direction, and connect their talents with real opportunities.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Renewable Energy Technology from Rwanda Polytechnic. Currently, he serves as Commissioner for Innovation and Self-Reliance at the Rwanda National Students Association
Nhelma Jacques a second-year student at the University of Seychelles, currently pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management after completing a Diploma in Business Management and Administration. Passionate about youth development and national progress, and I have contributed to numerous volunteer initiatives and proudly represented Seychelles at the Global Youth Tourism Summit in Italy. I also served as a Young Honorable in the 17th SYNA Cohort, demonstrating my commitment to leadership and civic engagements.
I am a final-year Public Sector Management Hons student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management IPAM-USL. I currently serve as the Director of Diplomatic Cooperation for the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) and an ambassador for the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) and I have held the position of Minister of Education in my University’s SUG. I am passionate about student development, governance, and youth empowerment, with a strong focus on inclusive leadership and policy advocacy. Beyond academics, I have led national students projects, coordinated Inter-University initiatives and have represented students interests both national and regional levels.
Human rights activist, student activist and passionate about social economic development and civic activism
Hope Kacheri is a Tanzanian legal and international relations expert currently pursuing a Master of Laws in International Law with a focus on International Relations at Tumaini University Makumira. With a Bachelor of Laws from the same institution, she has served as a Youth Ambassador to Tanzania for the East African Community since 2024, representing youth in regional integration and policy dialogues. Previously, as a legal officer, she has also chaired the desk for children and gender at Kibaha. Skilled in legal research, policy analysis, and diplomacy, she has also trained in gender inclusivity and electoral observation, reflecting her commitment to human rights and regional cooperation.
Achaye Paul is a distinguished youth leader and education advocate committed to advancing inclusive development, civic engagement, and transformative leadership among young people in Uganda and beyond. He serves as the National Program’s Coordinator of the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), where he oversees national programs that strengthen student participation in governance and education policy. Achaye is also the Chairperson of the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO Youth Sounding Board, providing strategic leadership in promoting UNESCO’s values and ensuring meaningful youth involvement in national and international development frameworks. He also the ED of Sprout Africa
Secretary General of the Zambia National Student Union (ZANASU) | Honors Civil Engineering & Construction Student at The Copperbelt University | Passionate about leveraging leadership and engineering for national development.