Showcasing alumni innovations for sustainable impact in communities and respective countries in Africa, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to organise the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Expo and Trade Show.

The multi-country event held recently at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.

Participants were selected from various countries in sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius and a host of others.

U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Dr. Reuben Brigety II, reiterated that YALI remains his favourite exchange program of the U.S. State Department which was created by former U.S President, Barrack Obama in 2010. He said it became so popular because America recognises that one of Africa’s greatest assets is its youthful population.

USAID Africa Bureau Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Matt Rees, highlighted the significance of youth leadership, community involvement and innovation in Africa, especially the skills that alumni are imparting to the younger generation. He praised participants for their exemplary work and representation in their countries.

Acting Director-General of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) and alumna member of the YALI Legacy Localisation Africa Roadmap Advisory Group, Wofai Samuel, stated that the idea for the YALI Trade Show and Expo was born from the 2022 U.S. Africa Leaders’ Summit. She added that the White House announced the expo as a unique opportunity to showcase the innovations of alumni and foster their connection with experts and officials from the private sector, civil society, government and the diaspora community.

Expressing gratitude at being a part of an ecosystem of young talented and skillful people building lasting ties between the U.S. and Africa, she thanked members of the U.S. Congress for sustaining YALI’s vision over the years and the USAID for convening, connecting and celebrating YALI alumni as well as making positive change in their communities by creating networking opportunities and showcasing innovations for sustainable impact.

“The platform has provided me with an opportunity to meet with senior officials from some U.S. Government agencies and enabled me participate in the Africa Tech Festival; Equinix Launch in South Africa on the invitation of the U.S. Consul General of South Africa and the U.S. partners on Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) Session amongst others.”

She further expressed gratitude to the Leaders at the Regional Leadership Centers, USAID’s Denise O’ Toole and the Deputy Division Chief, Africa Bureau, USAID, Christine Capacci Carneal.

The YALI Pavilion at the Africa Tech Festival was an ideal opportunity for alumni in technology-related fields to showcase their tech-driven ventures. The event ended with a gala dinner which also had representatives from the State Department, USAID and the Hon. U. S. Consul General of South Africa in a festive celebration of Africa’s cultures.

Samuel is also a member of the World Agriculture Forum Council, an Advisory Board member of Cetacea Online University in Delaware and the American Council on Management and Information Technology.