By Reanne Olivier | Co-founder & CEO of Africa Matters Initiative
Today, April 20th, we celebrate 11 years of Africa Matters Initiative. For 11 years, we have walked alongside young Africans as they step into leadership, take action in their communities, and shape the future of the continent. What began as a vision has grown into a vibrant, pan-African community of changemakers, grounded in the belief that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for. This milestone is not only a moment of celebration but one of reflection and renewed commitment to the journey ahead.
Entering 2026, we find ourselves at a different kind of moment. After delivering five and six cohorts across our ShE is Empowered (ShE) and Africa Matters Ambassadors Program (AMAP), and supporting hundreds of young Africans to lead and act within their communities, we made a conscious decision to prioritise strengthening over scaling in this moment. Not because the work is slowing down, but because it is growing, and with that growth comes the responsibility to ensure that what we offer remains deeply relevant, holistic, and truly transformative.
This year, we are intentionally focusing on refining our programs, reviewing our curriculum, strengthening mentorship, and integrating alumni insights to better support young people beyond the program experience. Our aim is to ensure that every participant leaves not only equipped with skills but with the confidence, networks, and pathways to sustain meaningful impact.
At the same time, we are proud to share the introduction of Africa Matters Initiative’s first-ever Alumni Council, a milestone that reflects both our growth and the direction we are heading. The Council brings together seven members from six countries across Africa, serving a two-year term, with 90% women representation. The Alumni Council represents a shift, allowing us to move from building programs for young people to building with them. Council members will help shape strategy, strengthen program design through lived experience, and foster mentorship, collaboration, and innovation across our growing network.
While this year may look different in delivery, it is one of the most important investments we are making in our long-term impact. By strengthening our foundation and placing alumni leadership at the centre, we are ensuring that the next phase of ShE and AMAP is even more impactful than the last.
As our incoming Alumni Council Chair so powerfully shared, “Alumni connections are more than networks; they are catalysts for mentorship, collaboration, and lasting community impact across Africa.”
With your continued support, we can deepen these connections, strengthen our programs, and equip even more young African leaders to take action where it matters most.
This is the moment to invest, not only in programs, but in a growing ecosystem of leaders shaping Africa’s future.
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By Aluwani Ramarumo | Program Lead
By Aluwani Ramarumo | Program Lead
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