The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa, Accra, commemorated its 50th cohort with an opening ceremony on the 20th of August, 2024. Cohort 50, also known as the golden cohort, marked a significant milestone for the RLC.
The opening ceremony for Cohort 50 was unique because it brought together members of the RLC’s pioneer cohort (Cohort 1) alongside the participants of the golden cohort, creating a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the journey of the program. The event was filled with memorable moments, including a vibrant cultural performance that showcased the warm hospitality of the Ghanaian people.
The event was graced with the presence of the Project Director of the RLC, the Rector of GIMPA, and the Deputy Mission Director of USAID, West Africa Program Office, each with a unique message of praise for the journey so far and encouragement for the journey ahead.
Dr Esi Sey, the Project Director of YALI RLC, highlighted the uniqueness of this landmark cohort as the program’s first agribusiness sector training, comprising 106 young ‘agri-prenuers’ dedicated to making a positive impact. She described Cohort 50 as “passionate individuals are entrepreneurs, advocates, and public service providers, each equipped with innovative solutions to address agribusiness challenges in their communities.”
“There is momentum building around this program”. Dr. Sey observed. “I think it is what happens when one turns 10 years or 50 cohorts”. She acknowledged the presence of members of the pioneer cohort and described all YALI participants and alumni as the legacy of the YALI program. “The seeds we once nurtured, you are turning green to gold”, she said.
The Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Samuel K. Bonsu, emphasized the growing demand for sustainable, innovative, and resilient agribusiness. He encouraged the cohort to leverage the connections they will make and the networks they will form and collaborate with the climate change cohort, as well as other alumni, to address the complex challenges faced by the world today. He was optimistic about the future of YALI and the great gains Africa will make through the exposure and learning the participants will experience.
The Deputy Mission Director, USAID, West Africa Program Office, Michelle Barrett, delivered the keynote address. Michelle marvelled at the progress that has been made in empowering 8,000 young people with the tools to change the world 10 years later.
Ms. Barret described the 50th cohort as “extraordinary, focusing on the cornerstone of the West African economy, which is agriculture.” She described their passion, resilience, and ingenuity as the lifeblood of Africa’s potential. “Agriculture is not just a sector, but the backbone of the African economy. It is a lifeline, a legacy, and a future waiting to be shaped by your hands.” She encouraged the cohort to embrace technology and innovations to transform agribusiness, describing agriculture as not just about food production, but also about creating jobs, sustaining communities, and building resilient economies.
The program allowed for nostalgia as attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from cohort 1, gaining insights into the profound impact the program had on their lives. In an inspiring moment, the pioneer cohort handed over a leadership baton to the golden cohort as a symbol of courage, determination, and innovation for the task ahead.
The ceremony was truly remarkable, featuring a captivating musical performance by Ghanaian songstress Abiana, heartfelt messages from former directors, slideshows showcasing the achievements of cohort 1 participants, and a presentation of the participants of cohort 50, referred to as the golden cohort. The ceremony set the tone for the next 3 weeks, and the experiences they will have, the people they will meet, and the challenges they will surmount will reframe their worldview. Their task is clear, yet challenging: to turn “green to gold.”