The YALI Alumni Expo and Trade Show 2024, held from November 11 to 14 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), coincided with the Africa Tech Festival.
This event marked a significant milestone in the Young African Leaders Initiative’s journey, celebrating a decade of empowering young leaders across Africa. The inaugural event brought together over 500 alumni from more than 40 countries, showcasing their innovative projects and fostering connections with industry leaders and potential investors.
Highlights of the Expo
The event featured a vibrant YALI Marketplace and YALI Pavilion, where alumni displayed their businesses and products, facilitating valuable networking opportunities
Exhibitors included:
True Vision Ghana. Improving the lives of vulnerable groups such as women, people living with HIV/AIDS, youth, and the rural disadvantaged through health screenings and services
Readwon Digital Technologies: A leading tech-driven organization committed to innovation, skill development, and transformative digital solutions.
Green Pathway Hub: An initiative of Global Youth for Sustainable Development (GYSUD) leveraging technology to bridge the gap between climate change and food productivity, highlighting their eco-friendly products and offering training on greenhouse management and bee farming.
Carsle Technologies: A social network for consultants, aimed at connecting industry leaders with knowledge seekers, showcasing their mission to revolutionize the consultation landscape in Africa.
Empowered Nexus: Revolutionizing education and healthcare accessibility through cutting-edge technology.
Shared Experiences: One of the standout sessions involved personal storytelling, where alumni shared their journeys and the challenges they face in their initiatives. Discussions covered critical issues like funding, resource mobilization, and community engagement, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of young African leaders. Notable alumni, such as Naapong Kuuberme Edward and Anushka La Grace Niassan Koumayeb, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving change. Many alumni echoed sentiments like, “Nobody makes it alone.” This exchange of experiences reinforced the collective strength of the YALI community in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges.
Inspiring Sessions and Discussions: Prominent figures such as Michelle Barret, Deputy Mission Director at USAID West Africa, and Prof. Samuel Bonsu, Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), participated in panel discussions reflecting on the YALI program’s legacy and future. These sessions underscored the transformative power of youth leadership in shaping sustainable development across the continent. It was a beautiful moment as over 80+ alumni from West Africa who participated in the expo shared their challenges and sought suggestions for improvement. Further discussions and meetings were planned for the days ahead.
The expo also featured a Gala Dinner celebrating African cultures and YALI’s achievements, while a TED Talk-style session showcased exceptional alumni who have developed innovative solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and climate change. These sessions served as a platform for sharing impactful stories and strategies.

The YALI Alumni Expo and Trade Show 2024 was a resounding success, uniting a diverse group of young leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities. As the event concluded, participants left inspired and eager to continue their journey of collaboration and innovation, further solidifying YALI’s role in empowering the next generation of African leaders.
Related Posts
Commending the Most Engaged online cohort: Reflecting on Cohort 51’s journey
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa, Accra, commemorated its…
December 2024 Elections: YALI & GIMPA Stands for Peace
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa, Accra, commemorated its…
YALI Learning Summit: Catalyzing Innovation and Charting Future Fit Practices
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa, Accra, commemorated its…
Nigeria Chapter Visit
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa, Accra, commemorated its…