Dangote Foundation and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have announced the 2026 cohort of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Aliko Dangote Fellows, unveiling a new group of African professionals expected to drive leadership, innovation and institutional growth across the continent.
The fellowship, powered by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), is focused on supporting outstanding African leaders under the age of 40 by connecting them with the global Young Global Leaders network and giving them access to international platforms, executive learning opportunities and policy conversations shaping the future of the world.
According to the announcement obtained by Nigeria Startup News on Sunday, the 2026 fellows were selected from different sectors including healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology, advocacy and leadership development across sub-Saharan Africa.
The newly selected fellows are Dr Esperance Luvindao, Charlot Magayi, Rewa Udoji, Dr Stephen Modise, Dr Musa Kika, Hatim Eltayeb, Kemi Lala Akindoju and Vimbai Masiyiwa.
WEF said the programme continues to serve as a bridge between Africa’s emerging leaders and global institutions, helping fellows collaborate with international peers while strengthening local impact in their respective countries and sectors.
The foundation noted that the fellowship places strong attention on empowering women leaders and Africans building practical solutions to social and economic challenges facing the continent.
Over the last 14 years, the Aliko Dangote Foundation-backed fellowship has supported more than 130 young African leaders. Beneficiaries have participated in Davos meetings, regional summits, leadership modules and high-level policy engagements covering climate, finance, governance, health and technology.
Trustee of the foundation and Group Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko Dangote, described the new fellows as leaders who will help expand opportunity and strengthen African institutions.
“Africa’s future will be defined by the strength of its people. When the right leaders, especially women are empowered and given a global voice, they do not just lead; they reshape what is possible,” she said.
“That is why we invest in people: because it is the surest path to lasting global prosperity, stability, and self-determination. The 2026 cohort embodies this vision.”
She added that the fellows represent a generation of Africans helping to shape the continent’s future on its own terms while contributing to global conversations and solutions.
Fatima also explained that the purpose of the fellowship is to cultivate and empower exceptional African leaders by ensuring they have access to the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders community and the resources needed to increase their impact both within Africa and internationally.
Details released alongside the announcement showed that Hatim Eltayeb currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of African Leadership Academy, while Dr Esperance Luvindao is Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services with experience spanning clinical practice, digital health and grassroots innovation.
Charlot Magayi, founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves in Kenya, was recognised for her work connecting clean energy, livelihoods and public health, while Botswana’s Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise, was acknowledged for promoting a data-driven approach to healthcare reform.
According to the organisers, fellows supported by the programme have collectively participated in more than 400 engagements through annual meetings, regional gatherings and leadership sessions, helping amplify African voices in global decision-making spaces.
