A FAITH-RESTORING EXPERIENCE – Women and Young Africans Restore My Hope for Africa’s Future.

It’s easy to feel disillusioned about the future of the African continent, especially in a world that
seems more unstable by the day. Over the last few months, I’ve struggled to find the silver
lining. However, attending the Yale Africa Innovation Symposium (YAIS) as a media partner and
contributor with The Voice of Africa (TVOA) reminded me of a fundamental truth: Africa’s future
is being shaped by its women and youth, and we are more than capable of defining our
narrative.

This year’s symposium was more than just a conference; it was designed as a catalyst for
action, created to move beyond panel discussions that reiterate Africa’s challenges. Instead, it
invited attendees—industry leaders, students, and change-makers—to engage in hands-on
innovation labs, tackling root causes of socio-economic challenges and strategizing solutions
that can be implemented beyond the event. The curation of the gathering was intentional, and
my hat goes off to the YAIS committee for the thoughtfulness with which they structured the
experience.

Three Truths Reinforced at YAIS

Throughout the weekend, three things stood out to me about people who have a passion for a
prosperous Africa

1. Vulnerability is a powerful tool for connection. In discussing sensitive topics like
mental health, economic instability, and identity, the ability to be open fosters real,
lasting change. Seeing industry leaders speak candidly about their challenges was a
reminder that authenticity and strength are not mutually exclusive.
2. Monumental change begins in small, dedicated groups. Whether in innovation labs
at YAIS or grassroots movements across the continent, history proves that tight-knit,
action-driven communities move the needle the most.
3. Africans are over the outdated, limiting narratives imposed on the continent. The
consensus is clear: we are not here to conform to or endlessly resist the colonial lens
through which Africa has been viewed. The conversation has shifted towards ownership,
agency, and self-definition—and that’s not up for debate.
The insights I gleaned were reinforced not only during the formal sessions but also in the
informal moments of connection—whether through shared meals or deep conversations about
personal experiences. I was reminded of the importance of leading with vulnerability, openness,
and focus in an environment that encourages mutual connection. Africans passionate about
change are not shy about it, they are bold and decisive in their efforts toward pan african
success.

YAIS x The Voice of Africa
As a media partner, The Voice of Africa team was tasked with contributing to conversations
about African media, leadership, and innovation. The TVOA media crew—Favor Olobor, Sandy Amaoko, Sam Onwubiko, Kemuel Van Der Puije, and Kadmiel Van Der Puije—conducted

interviews with symposium speakers and led discussions that amplified the voices shaping
Africa’s future.

                                                                                 Source: @TheVoiceofAfrica

One of our key contributions was a panel on public speaking, moderated by Kadmiel Van Der   Puije and featuring Victoria Shanora, Anthony Attipoe, Kemuel Van Der Puije, and myself. The
discussion underscored the importance of effective communication in advocacy and
leadership—skills essential to shifting Africa’s narrative globally. After we spoke to the
undergraduates on day two of the symposium I was relieved and glad to hear that we left a
positive impression of the young innovators. Knowing that we would be speaking to an
auditorium filled with high achievers, my main goal was to remind students to speak up about
their ideas from a place of passion.

                                                                               Source: The Voice of Africa Media

I was pleased to meet students who are definitely not lacking in passion; they actively seek
environments in which to share their value. They’re brimming with excitement about activating
innovations in mental health, population health, and education, which in Africa all require a
certain level of passion and sensitivity in order to institute the visceral changes needed to shift
the landscape.

                                                                                 Source: The Voice of Africa Media

In more than one way, the Voice of Africa was the perfect media partner for YAIS. Under the
umbrella of The Voice of Africa Newspaper, The Ambassador of Africa program and the Voice of Africa Internship program are programs designed to invest in students who wish to do work
on the continent and we encouraged those who showed interest to apply for the next cohorts.
Travelling with the TVOA team was a reminder of how tight-knit, value-driven, and committed
the young media company is. Creative entrepreneurs Kadmiel (27 years old) and Kemuel Van Der Puije (24 years old) have built TVOA into a hub for bold storytelling, while Dr Sam, the
team’s research director, seamlessly balanced wisdom with humour, ensuring we were informed
but never too overwhelmed.

                                                                             Source: The Voice of Africa Media

From my discussion with the team I was introduced to projects like Max Chikumbutso’s
microsonic energy experiments in Zimbabwe—a testament to the groundbreaking, often
underreported ingenuity emerging from the continent. I also discovered Brain Jotter, a comedian
using humor to inspire a love for biblical scripture, demonstrating the versatility of African
creativity in reshaping narratives. TVOA’s ability to identify and promote cutting-edge African
innovation was evident in every conversation.

                                                                              Source: OPC Zimbabwe
                                                                              Source: Facebook ‘Brain Jotter’

Key Highlight: Leadership & Action
One of the most powerful moments of the symposium was the keynote address by Somachi Chris Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She emphasized the critical role of youth-
led entrepreneurship and the need for structural investment in Africa’s infrastructure. As she
eloquently put it:
“African entrepreneurs don’t need charity, they need an enabling environment.”

                                                                            Source: Tony Elumelu Foundation

Her speech was a call to action, urging young Africans to demand and create the conditions
necessary for economic self-sufficiency and prosperity. She highlighted that the work must be
done with boldness and ownership, rather than reliance on external aid—a sentiment echoed by
many at the symposium.
Beyond the high-profile speakers, what made YAIS truly inspiring was the visionary leadership
behind it. The entire event was spearheaded by Abigail Ndikum, a senior at Yale and the driving
force behind YAIS since its inception.

                                                                            Source: @YaleAfricaSymposium

Through YAIS I, II, and now III, she has built a platform that connects African innovators,
fostering cross-continental collaboration and tangible solutions. Abi’s commitment to activating
real change is a masterclass in leadership—one that more young Africans should emulate.

Why This Matters: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
In an era of global uncertainty, Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. The geopolitical shifts
caused by U.S. policies, funding freezes, and economic instability have placed the responsibility
squarely on regional and local leadership to invest in the continent’s future.
Too often, we see bold words but slow action. YAIS proved that there is a generation ready to
match words with action—a generation that is taking ownership of Africa’s problems, solutions,
and innovations. The youth-led movements across the continent are not just talking about
change; they are engineering it, financing it, and building it from the ground up.

                                                                              Source: Captured By Nick

For anyone who doubts Africa’s trajectory, my experience at YAIS is proof that the continent’s
future is in capable hands. The next step? Taking these conversations beyond symposium halls
and into tangible, real-world implementation.
So, the call to action is clear: invest, build, and own the future you want to see.
Want more info on YAIS III? Here’s more coverage of the event:
● TVOA covers YAIS
● YAIS on Instagram
● World Class Attendees and King Promise at YAIS Gala