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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — November 2025. Kadmiel Van Der Puije, the bridge to ALL THINGS AFRICA & CEO of The Voice of Africa (TVOA) – THE GATEWAY TO ALL THINGS AFRICA, was officially selected as one of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Misk Foundation “20 Under 30” global changemakers — chosen from thousands of applicants worldwide.

This recognition places Kadmiel among the world’s top young innovators shaping the future of leadership, creativity, development, and youth empowerment.

But his impact didn’t stop at the award.

Kadmiel quickly became one of the most talked-about African voices at the entire Misk Global Forum (MGF25).

A Defining Moment: Speaking at the UNITED NATIONS Youth Affairs × Project Everyone Side Event

At the high-level event “Unscripted: Building Connections for Hopeful Futures” hosted by the United Nations Youth Office and Project Everyone on November 20th, Kadmiel delivered one of the most memorable interventions.

He challenged global institutions with a message that resonated across the room:

“African youth are no longer begging for a seat at the table. We are building our own tables, the same way I built the THE VOICE OF AFRICA ecosystem from nothing but faith.”

In front of diplomats, policymakers, and global connectors, he highlighted two urgent needs:

• Real funding for youth-led initiatives
  
• Sustainable long-term support, not just panels and photo opportunities
  

These remarks were applauded and later referenced by multiple participants.

During the session, Kadmiel engaged directly with major global connectors, including:

• Omar Najjar, Deputy CEO, Misk Foundation
  
• Nina Brandt, Chief of Partnerships, Advocacy & Communications, UN Youth Office
  
• Riyadh Al-Zamil, Founder & Chairman, Raz Holding Group
  
• And other regional leaders and philanthropists

Beyond the stage, Kadmiel held private meetings with key figures shaping the future of Saudi–Africa collaboration:

Dr. Badr Al Badr — CEO of Misk Foundation

The two discussed TVOA × Misk partnerships aimed at connecting Africa and Saudi Arabia through youth development, media, entrepreneurship, and culture.

This conversation positions Kadmiel as one of the primary emerging bridges between Africa and the Gulf region.

Rio Ferdinand — Global Football Icon & Premier League Hall of Famer

They discussed Africa’s rising influence in global sports and how TVOA Sports can amplify African excellence to the world.

Dimitar Berbatov — Former Manchester United Legend

Berbatov shared wisdom with Kadmiel and predicted that Morocco is a top favorite for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The exchange highlighted TVOA’s growing sports footprint.

Chris Barton — Billion-Dollar Founder of Shazam

Barton spoke with Kadmiel about resilience, innovation, and scaling mission-driven companies.

Kad gained strategic insight into building TVOA into a global powerhouse.

Kalidou Koulibaly — Captain of Senegal National Team

Their conversation covered jollof rivalry, Africa’s chances of winning the World Cup, and ideas for upcoming TVOA Sports collaborations.

Why This Matters: A New Era for Africa and Saudi Arabia

Kadmiel’s presence at the Misk Global Forum signals a shift:

Africa now has a young leader who can stand among global icons and hold his own.

His selection as one of the 20 Under 30 global leaders places him in direct dialogue with:

• Royals
  
• CEOs
  
• Global investors
  
• Major brands
  
• UN leadership
  
• Billion-dollar founders
  
• International sports legends
  

TVOA — which turns 10 next year — is now recognized not just as a media platform, but as an ecosystem connecting the world to Africa’s future.

Conclusion: The Bridge to All Things Africa

Kadmiel’s impact at the Misk Global Forum marks him as one of the most important emerging African leaders of his generation.

With TVOA becoming the gateway to Africa, and Saudi Arabia expanding its footprint across the continent, Kadmiel Van Der Puije now stands as a critical connector — the bridge linking African youth, global institutions, and new opportunities across regions.

As TVOA steps into its 10th anniversary — the number of completion — one thing is clear:

Africa’s next chapter is being written, and Kadmiel Van Der Puije is holding the pen.

 

Misk 20 Under 30

Kadmiel Van Der Puije

Misk Global Forum 2025

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Youth leadership Africa

African innovation leaders

TVOA The Voice of Africa

Un Youth Affairs

Project Everyone

Riyadh global youth forum

Africa Saudi Arabia partnership

Global changemakers under 30

Rising African leaders

Africa media ecosystem