Africa-Press – Liberia. Madam Josephine A. Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission President in Liberia, challenged participants to become ethical and transformational leaders.
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has launched the 12th cohort of its flagship Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa), bringing together 120 emerging leaders from 11 African countries for a week-long intensive training in Monrovia.
The training, running from June 9 to 13, 2025, is being held under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Youth Leadership for Economic Development and Political Stability.” Participants include young politicians, activists, civic leaders, and representatives from civil society organizations across the continent.
Providing an overview of the program, Ms. Alphia Faith Kemokai, Program Manager at Naymote, said YPLS Africa was established to cultivate a new generation of character-driven leaders who are accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens. “This is the vision laid out by our Executive Director, Eddie D. Jarwolo, and one that we wholeheartedly embrace,” she said.
Kemokai explained that the cohort was selected through a rigorous application, vetting, and interview process. The training marks the beginning of a year-long engagement that includes mentorship and networking opportunities with the YPLS alumni network.
She noted that Cohort 12 includes participants from Uganda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia, and several other countries, and features 13 expert facilitators—both local and international—who are engaging with participants on key issues of leadership, governance, and development.
“We are thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead,” Kemokai said. “Since our founding in 2016, we have trained over 1,130 young leaders who are now making impactful contributions in politics, business, governance, and civil society across Africa.”
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Josephine A. Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission President in Liberia, challenged participants to become ethical and transformational leaders. Speaking through a letter-style presentation, she emphasized the importance of trustworthiness, peacebuilding, and transparent civic engagement.
“True leaders don’t just promise change—they build it,” she said. “They craft inclusive policies, create opportunities for others to thrive, and foster peace and justice through intentional and transparent leadership.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, praised the initiative and underlined the crucial role of youth in shaping Africa’s future. “With 60% of Africa’s 1.2 billion people under the age of 25, youth are both a significant opportunity and a powerful force for change,” he noted.
Ambassador Considine said youth must be engaged in political processes to build inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies. “The skills you’re developing here will be critical in addressing global issues like climate change and peacebuilding. Your voices are needed in political leadership.”
Omolara T. Balogun, Board Chair of Naymote and Head of the Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Accra, Ghana, called on participants to embrace courageous and compassionate leadership.
“The challenges you’ll explore during this training reflect broader societal issues,” she said. “Effective leaders must deeply understand the needs of their people. The knowledge you gain here will be essential as you take on greater leadership responsibilities.”
Balogun emphasized that the leadership journey of the participants is part of a larger continental movement. “Africa’s youth face shared challenges that transcend national borders,” she added. “Only through united action can we achieve sustainable progress.”
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