Global network of African public servants advances transformational leadership at third annual gathering
Margibi County, Liberia - The energy inside the conference hall could not be dimmed by the occasional power outage as more than 80 Emerging Public Leaders from across Africa gathered in Margibi County, Liberia. Over two days, participants, united by a shared commitment to ethical leadership, public service excellence, and inclusive growth, reflected on how a growing network of young public servants can shape the future of governance and improve public policy and community initiatives.
The third annual Emerging Public Leaders’ Alumni Network Gathering was hosted by the President’s Young Professionals Program in Liberia from June 2 to 3 under the theme “From Learning to Leadership: Young Public Servants Scaling Youth Transitions and Inclusive Growth.”
Throughout the two-day conference, EPL Leaders and partners participated in panel discussions, strategic sessions, networking opportunities, and storytelling workshops to assess how EPL’s programs can continue to support mission-driven young leaders to transform their learning into ethical leadership, leverage a united network to drive greater inclusive governance, and build more opportunities for the next generation.
A Shared Commitment to Service
Ambassador Marjon Kamara, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, and PYPP Mentor, gave the keynote address during the Opening Ceremony on June 2, 2026. Amb. Kamara remarked on the accomplishments of the President's Young Professionals Program and the Emerging Public Leaders Network, bringing efficiency and a new standard of excellence in the public service across Africa.
Her remarks reminded participants that leadership is not defined by position, but requires a willingness to learn and humility.
Amb Kamara stated, “The challenge before you, emerging leaders, is not simply to obtain positions of leadership in public service, but to use your position to create opportunity, strengthen institutions, advance equality, and improve the lives of citizens.”
H.E former President, Nobel Laureate, and EPL Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s message reinforced a central theme of the Gathering: that today’s Leaders must invest in the next generation of public servants and ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to rise.
The accomplishments of EPL Leaders were evident throughout the program. Speakers and panelists included alumni serving in senior public sector roles across Africa, demonstrating the growing influence of the network within government institutions. Their professional journeys offered tangible examples of how investment in emerging public servants can translate into leadership and impact.
Alumni Network speakers included
Atty. Jamaima Kollie Harris, Senior Program Office and team Lead for Performance Management & Compliance at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Hon. Sarah McGill Mulbah, Assistant Minister of Budget, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning
Dahnu Mianyen, Deputy Director-General for Administration and Finance, Civil Service Agency of Liberia
Voices of Leadership
Throughout the Gathering, Leaders present gave testimony to how EPL’s programs strengthen their leadership journeys. Participants shared stories of applying technical skills and EPL’s core values in their day-to-day work post-graduation to improve public service delivery, strengthen institutions, mentor colleagues, and advance meaningful change within their communities.
The positive impact of EPL Leaders throughout the public sector - on office culture and workflow, and on the communities they uplift with efficient and effective service delivery - was naturally spotlighted during panels and workshops throughout the Gathering.
These conversations created space for young public servants to recognize the impact they are already having within government institutions and communities. As a collective, they committed to being present, proactive, and learning, thereby strengthening the pan-African network of support.
Celebrating Leadership in Action
The 2026 Alumni Network Gathering closed with a highly anticipated Dinner and Awards night in celebration of the young professionals, whose day-to-day work is driving positive change in their communities and across institutions.
2011 Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberian peace activist, Leymah Gbowee, gave special remarks with EPL Leaders during the ceremony, reflecting on the theme of the Gathering, Learning to Leadership, and sharing personal narratives and lessons. During her remarks, Gbowee compelling leaders to rethink how they and the next generation are truly preparing for greater responsibility.
Gbowee stated, “You can learn and be the best at everything that you do, but until you have some values and principles to push you into leadership, you will fail miserably.”
She implored young leaders to go through the ranks, learn from their supervisors and mentors, and develop the necessary values and leadership skills to shape a more prosperous future for all of Africa.
Value-Based Leadership
Two EPL Leaders from each country received awards for their exceptional contributions to the public service, mentorship, and network.
Nominated and selected by their peers, each embodies EPL's core values of excellence, integrity, accountability, partnership, and citizen-centric leadership in their work across all sectors, from gender diversity and inclusion to climate change and public health.
2026 Most Outstanding Alumni Recipients included:
Liberia
Joseph B. Blawah, Director of IT at the National Port Authority and CEO of Bits Technology Solutions (Cohort 7)
Attny. Jamaima Kollie Harris, Senior Program Officer and Team Lead for Performance Management & Compliance at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs (Cohort 7)
Ghana
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey, Communications and Information Assistant at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (Cohort 5)
Lawrence Nii Kotey Neequaye, Internal Audit Officer with the Ghana Commodity Exchange (Cohort 5)
Kenya
Stephanie Ndiku, Principal Research Officer at the Public Service Commission of Kenya (Cohort 2)
Edgar Sakwa Kamama, Veterinary Surgeon at the Livestock Training Institute - Wajir County (Cohort 2)
Malawi - awards received by representatives from EPL Malawi
Violet Pondakwao, Managing Director at Treehouse Investment Limited and Co-Founder and CEO of SMILE (Cohort 1)
Daniel Chibwe, CEO of Mlatho Farms and Agri-learning Hub (Cohort 1)
Gaining Momentum for Transformative Leadership
With more than 500 members in Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, and soon Sierra Leone, the EPL Alumni Network demonstrates what is possible when young African public servants are trusted, trained, and supported to transform governance. As our network grows, we are committed to strengthening our investment in our Leaders and all emerging professionals who remain on the front lines in their communities.
The 2026 Alumni Network Gathering served as a celebration and reminder that Africa's future is being shaped today by young public servants who dare to reimagine governance, collaborate across borders and generations, and commit themselves to advancing transformational leadership that creates lasting impact.
