This year, MINDS Africa strengthened its continental footprint through diplomatic partnerships, leadership convenings, and Intergenerational Dialogue, further accelerating its mission to build a network of young African changemakers.
Building Bridges Through Embassies
A major highlight was MINDS’ strategic embassy visits to Egypt, Kenya, and China, aimed at forging deeper partnerships and expanding its influence. During meetings with the Egyptian and Kenyan embassies, MINDS introduced its scholarship and leadership programmes, shared data on scholar engagement, and laid the groundwork for expanded recruitment and collaboration. In Cairo, connections were made with academic institutions including the National Training Academy, Assiut University, Alexandria University, and the American University in Cairo—opening more doors for cross-border scholar mobility and knowledge exchange. The engagement with the Kenyan Embassy also spotlighted MINDS’ upcoming Intergenerational Dialogue in Mombasa, underlining the power of diplomacy for youth development.
Further afield, discussions with the Chinese Embassy opened promising opportunities for scholar and alumni exchange visits to China. This partnership aligns closely with MINDS’ vision of Pan-African leadership and global integration, creating a bridge between African talent and international expertise.
Leadership Unlocked: Key Events of the Year
LDP Conference — Cairo, Egypt
In August, MINDS convened its annual Leadership Development Programme in Cairo. Scholars from across the continent gathered to engage in rigorous training on governance, innovation, and Africa’s development agenda. The Egyptian setting offered rich cultural and historical backdrops for learning and reflection, amplifying the transformative experience for all participants.
Intergenerational Dialogue — Mombasa, Kenya
From 28–30 October, MINDS hosted its inaugural Intergenerational Dialogue in Mombasa, uniting young leaders with seasoned policymakers under the theme: “Transformational Technologies and Geopolitical Currents: Threats and Opportunities.”
Across three days, participants explored how AI and other emerging technologies can shape governance and sustainable development. They also deliberated on Africa’s role in a fragmented global order, challenging both youth and elders to rethink the continent’s future collaboratively.
The Dialogue employed a shared-stage design, ensuring that both youth and elders led sessions as equal partners. Each day closed with youth-led synthesis sessions, capturing reflections and framing commitments. The result was a jointly authored communiqué that will feed directly into MINDS programming—strengthening the intergenerational and Pan-African vision of the organisation.
Impact and Forward Momentum
These strategic efforts underscore MINDS’ commitment to building networks that transcend national borders, and to supporting young Africans not just as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of development.
By linking diplomatic engagement with grassroots leadership development, MINDS is amplifying its impact—and showing how long-term partnerships and dialogue-driven programming can fuel sustainable progress across the continent.
