Emerging Public Leaders at Ibrahim Governance Weekend
Marrakech, Morocco – Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) had a high-level team at the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Marrakech in May, the only annual convening on the continent dedicated exclusively to advancing good governance in Africa. This crucial event brought together leaders from across Africa and around the world to explore innovative ways to finance a more sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.
EPL’s Executive Director, Abigail Kajumba, and Director of Sustainability and Communications, Penelope Mawson, joined board member Emmanuel Lubembe, board advisor Con Omore Osendo, and other international leaders for three days of candid discussions and expert panels. The event focused on uniting African voices and accelerating economic prosperity by transforming ideas into actionable strategies and amplifying collective priorities such as those outlined by the African Union and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Con Omore, EPL board advisor, emphasized the vital role of youth in governance:
"EPL’s participation was crucial to amplify the voices of young public leaders who are driving legislative reforms and enhancing regulatory frameworks. Our mandate is clear: to strengthen institutions through inclusive youth leadership and harness the talent of Africa’s graduates to deliver equitable public services and advance SDG16."
Youth inclusion was a central theme throughout the conference. Leaders highlighted that Africa’s greatest asset is its young people, whose involvement is essential to shaping the continent’s future. The African Leadership Institute’s side event reimagined employment for Africa’s next generation, focusing on creating dignified and fulfilling jobs and meeting a key target of 30 million jobs by 2040.
The event also fostered new and strengthened partnerships, ensuring greater investment in young public servants, especially women and marginalized groups. David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, reminded attendees:
"Development must be rooted in partnership, not paternalism. We should be investors in Africa’s future, not mere donors."
Reflecting on the week, Emmanuel Lubembe, EPL board member, said:
"Engagements this week have supported our mission of advancing good governance in Africa. In particular, the powerful testimony of the deeply experienced public leaders engaging with a new generation of transformative young leaders has provided exceptional opportunities for learning, partnership, and innovative initiatives that map out a new and preferred future for Africa."
Abigail Kajumba helped facilitate an insightful session on women’s leadership in governing the future through AI, attended by Nobel Laureate and former Liberian President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Kajumba shared:
"Meeting peers and partners here has renewed our collective commitment to building the Africa we envision. It’s an honor to witness the legacy of H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf inspiring young women leaders to lead with courage and conviction."
Financing the Africa We Want
The conference’s focus aligns closely with the latest Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) "Financing the Africa We Want" report, which underscores the continent’s demographic advantage and the critical role of young leaders:
“Africa’s most important asset is its youth and working-age population. Harnessing the energy, creativity, and leadership of young Africans is essential for driving sustainable growth and realising the ambitions of Agenda 2063.”
— Mo Ibrahim Foundation, 2025 Forum Facts & Figures
As the conference concluded, EPL looks forward to building on the partnerships forged at IGW 2025 and further empowering young leaders to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all of Africa.
