A new generation of African changemakers took centre stage on Monday as winners and ambassadors of the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) were formally unveiled in Lagos, highlighting youth-driven solutions shaping the continent’s development trajectory.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, drew development advocates, civil society leaders, youth organisations and members of the media, who gathered to celebrate 10 outstanding young Africans whose initiatives span agriculture, education, health, technology, advocacy and humanitarian service.
Organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF) with support from the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), the event reinforced the growing influence of young Africans in redefining development narratives through innovation, resilience and community-focused action.
Speaking during a media briefing, Pastor TT Temisan, a member of Loveworld Inc.’s Central Executive Council and Anchor of FALA, explained that the award process prioritises tangible impact over popularity or social media visibility.
“We do not just look at hometown impact. Some of these young people have executed projects across multiple countries and in diverse sectors,” Temisan said.
“Many of them are not defined by a single intervention, but by sustained, year-long projects that consistently deliver measurable results.”
He noted that since its inception 13 years ago, FALA has produced awardees from 33 African countries, providing a platform for global recognition, leadership development and policy engagement. According to organisers, several past winners have gone on to influence public policy, pioneer agri-tech innovations, expand literacy programmes and support widows, young girls and other vulnerable groups across the continent.
COFI Coordinator, Pastor (Barr.) Arinze Emmanuel, described the award as a practical expression of the vision of its founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who believes strongly in Africa’s capacity for self-driven development.
“The founder believes Africa will be built by Africans, and that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today,” Emmanuel said.
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“Young people are not lazy. When given the right environment, support and encouragement, they consistently demonstrate the capacity to transform communities and nations.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, Senior Executive Officer of FALF, said the foundation remains committed to promoting locally driven and sustainable solutions that respond directly to Africa’s unique challenges.
“We are raising fearless young Africans who look inward, understand their communities and design solutions that work within their cultural and social realities,” she said. “Our focus is on long-term impact, not short-lived interventions.”
One of the 2025 Star Prize winners, Kenyan agripreneur and ambassador, Rejoice Waithera, said the recognition had further strengthened her commitment to youth-led development. She shared her experience of overcoming resistance, limited resources and minimal government support in the course of implementing her projects.
“Young people in Africa have what it takes,” Waithera said. “If you can imagine it, you can do it, even when the odds seem stacked against you.”
Organisers revealed that the next phase for FALA includes structured mentorship, expanded partnerships and deeper engagement with public and private institutions to scale the work of both current and past awardees.
As Africa continues to grapple with challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment and social inequality, stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the emergence of the 2025 FALA winners signals a future increasingly shaped by innovative, community-rooted and impact-driven African youth.