Peace First is proud to partner with the EMY Africa Awards, a prestigious platform that celebrates excellence and leadership across the African continent, to introduce the Youth Changemaker Award. This new accolade is dedicated to recognizing and honoring exceptional young leaders who are making transformative contributions to peace-building and social change within their communities. By joining forces with EMY Africa, we aim to elevate the voices and efforts of these young changemakers, fostering a spirit of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating a lasting, positive impact across Africa.
It is crucial to celebrate young leaders today, not just when they reach adulthood. In Africa, where the median age is among the youngest in the world, the creativity and energy of youth are driving the continent forward in extraordinary ways. By honoring their achievements now, we send a powerful message that their contributions are not just the future, but the present. Recognizing young changemakers at this stage not only validates their work but inspires others to take action and invest in youth-led initiatives. Waiting until these leaders are older diminishes the urgency and significance of the challenges they are already addressing with innovation and courage. This partnership reflects a deep commitment to empowering the next generation, showing that young people are not just leaders in the making—they are leaders today, and their contributions are shaping Africa’s future.
The 2024 Nominees
The 2024 Emy Change Maker Award ceremony took place in November of last year, where our CEO had the honor of joining the inspiring winner in celebrating their outstanding contributions. This prestigious award aims to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact in their communities, driving positive change through innovation, leadership, and dedication. The award highlights the extraordinary efforts of those who are shaping a brighter future, and we are proud to have been part of such an empowering occasion.
Zanele Lulane, Eswatini – A dedicated young professional who is committed to empowering youth and advancing sustainable water management in Eswatini.
Mathias Charles Yabe, Ghana – An award-winning Ghanaian social entrepreneur and innovator, who developed a groundbreaking solar-powered cold storage technology.
Oumaima EL Idrissi, Morocco – A leader in sustainable development and youth empowerment, who currently serves as a Municipal Councillor and Vice President of Anfa in Casablanca, Morocco.
Efe Johnson, Nigeria – A Nigerian youth leader driving social change across Africa, who developed Africa’s first online platform dedicated to simplifying and amplifying Sexual and Reproductive Health (SH) education.
Kageruka Wilson, Rwanda – A 23-year-old visionary creative entrepreneur and motivational speaker, who leads a groundbreaking Pan-African initiative that champions entrepreneurship and the arts to drive job creation and economic growth across Africa.
Dr. Anza Tshipetane, South Africa – A renowned medical professional and social entrepreneur, who is focused on improving healthcare and public sector services, contributing to the advancement of vital systems.
Hakim Kakooza, Uganda – An award-winning health tech entrepreneur on a mission to democratize healthcare access in underserved communities, who co-founded an initiative to empowered young Ugandans by providing life-saving heart health information.
Congratulation to Oumaima El Idrissi, a leader in sustainable development and youth empowerment, Oumaima currently serves as a Municipal Councillor and Vice President of Anfa in Casablanca, Morocco. She advocates for green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and waste reduction, driving lasting change in her community. Her leadership has secured funding for youth-led climate projects and simplified processes for youth associations. Recently, in partnership with the private sector, she launched Casablanca’s first AI-augmented nursery for children and a free AI training program for young adults.
The 2023 Nominees
Congratulations to Hamza Haki EL KHARROUBI, a dynamic changemaker from Morocco who leads innovative collaborations to tackle social and environmental inequities through his national NGO, training youth in social innovation. As a youth representative in his commune council and with Jeel Connect in the EU, he advocates for youth rights. A doctoral researcher in Eco-criticism, he contributes to UNESCO’s Youth As Researchers Team, focusing on climate adaptation strategies for the Arab world. As the Founder and CEO of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Technologies, he pioneers sustainable agricultural solutions, blending entrepreneurship, research, and civic engagement to address complex societal challenges.
The 2023 Emy Change Maker Award ceremony took place in October, where our CEO had the privilege of joining the remarkable winner in celebrating their exceptional achievements. The award shines a spotlight on those who are shaping a better future, and we were proud to be part of such an inspiring and transformative moment.
Emmanuel Ndip Ojong, Cameroon – The trailblazing founder of Charity Against Hunger (CAH) from Cameroon, is fervently committed to eradicating poverty and bolstering food security and clean water access in low-income communities.
Menna Zayed, Egypt – An advocate for public health and climate justice, steadfastly addressing systemic crises to mold a healthier, sustainable future. Menna’s commitment is deeply rooted in empowering youth through transformative education and advocacy.
Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene, Ghana – A passionate advocate for bridging Ghana’s North-South divide that marked her upbringing, addressing issues such as poverty and limited access to essential amenities.
Hamza Haki EL KHARROUBI, Morocco – A multifaceted changemaker from Morocco, orchestrates innovative collaborations to address social and environmental inequities through his national NGO, training youth in social innovation.
Oluwaseyi Moejoh, Nigeria – A young visionary environmentalist, she is driving change, tackling plastic pollution, and fostering youth development. As the Executive Director of U-recycle Initiative Africa, she advances a circular economy, environmental sustainability, and climate action.
Walter Martin Okwir, Uganda – A passionate advocate from Uganda, is the dynamic founder of Youth Inclusion and Empowerment Network (YIEN), a pioneering organization focused on bridging Menstrual Health and Hygiene gaps and empowering adolescent girls and young women in the Kayunga district.
Kudakwashe Foya, Zimbabwe – A dedicated teacher, researcher, and advocate from Zimbabwe, co-founded the LA Initiative to democratize education and professional development opportunities nationwide.