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A significant milestone in African leadership development has been achieved with the announcement of the 2025 Elevate Africa Fellows. Spearheaded by Their Royal Majesties Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the 21st Olu of Warri, and Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, the initiative is a strategic investment in Africa’s future, backed by a $1 million commitment.
The Elevate Africa Fellowship is designed to support mid-career African professionals making a tangible impact in sectors such as health, agriculture, governance, technology, and the creative industries. From 3,447 applicants across 37 countries, only 18 individuals from 13 nations were selected based on their excellence, integrity, and commitment to shaping the continent’s future.
Expressing her passion for the initiative, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, stated: “For the past few months, we have poured energy, strategy, and an unrelenting will into bringing the Elevate Africa Fellows on board. It wasn’t just work—it was a bet on the future of Africa.”
The selected fellows represent diverse sectors and are at the forefront of transformation in their respective fields: Natalie Sifuma (Kenya) – Climate advocate and founder of Sisters in Climate, promoting sustainability narratives across Africa.
Maya Fakhfakh (Tunisia) – Public health researcher and founder of MednTech, leveraging AI to address women’s health inequities.
Dr. Tosan J. Mogbeyiteren (Nigeria) – Physician and tech innovator revolutionizing digital health systems.
Reham Fathey Aly Mohamed (Egypt) – Agricultural scientist advancing eco-conscious pest management solutions.
Taman Mhoumadi (Comoros/Senegal) – Climate strategist and artist integrating policy with creative expression.
Dr. Grace Naa Ardua Nelson (Ghana) – Public health expert driving pharmaceutical accessibility and policy reform.
Joseph Ogwal (Uganda) – Agri-tech leader supporting over 30,000 smallholder farmers with innovative input systems.
Elina M. Amadhila (Namibia) – Development finance researcher linking agriculture and social protection.
Nimah N’zani Kassim Zani (Kenya) – Gender rights advocate empowering young girls through mentorship.
Bola Edwards (Nigeria) – Edtech entrepreneur transforming childhood learning through African storytelling.
Nicolette Ndigwe-Kalu (Nigeria) – Filmmaker and media strategist amplifying African narratives.
Daniel Chisoni (Malawi) – Community development practitioner pioneering grassroots philanthropy.
Ackson Kondwani Mwenda (Zambia) – Aerospace engineer advancing drone technology in agriculture.
Ngomah Temukum (Cameroon) – Biopharma executive scaling biotech innovation.
Selam Teklehaimanot Legesse (Ethiopia) – Tech leader driving digital transformation.
Yayra Portia Klu (Ghana) – Youth activist promoting civic engagement.
Vuyelwa Nyakaza (South Africa) – Economic strategist supporting SMEs and African branding.
Programme Structure and Vision
The Elevate Africa Fellowship fosters strategic leadership grounded in African realities through:
Structured modules on systems thinking, governance, and innovation.
One-on-one executive coaching and peer learning.
Exposure to global platforms and professional networks.
Access to catalytic capital and strategic partnerships.
Fellows will develop projects addressing local needs while engaging in mentorship, measurable impact assessments, and continuous learning.
Olori Atuwatse III, known for her work in financial literacy, economic inclusion, and youth development, has infused these principles into Elevate Africa. This initiative is an extension of the transformative work Their Royal Majesties are driving through the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), which addresses socio-economic needs in Warri. While RIF focuses on education, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, Elevate Africa expands this vision to a continental scale, equipping African leaders to transform narratives and create lasting impact.
The Elevate Africa Fellowship invites collaborations with institutions, foundations, and governments committed to strengthening leadership ecosystems across Africa. These partnerships can include co-investment, shared programming, research, mentorship, and capacity-building—all guided by principles of excellence, integrity, and locally driven solutions.
With the 2025 cohort underway, Elevate Africa is building institutional capacity for generational transformation. Future cycles aim to expand geographic reach, deepen sectoral impact, and engage African leaders from across the continent and diaspora.
As Africa’s next-generation leaders step into the spotlight, Elevate Africa stands as a platform for empowerment, innovation, and sustainable change.
