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 2025 Nominees
Congratulations to Fabris Mulindi
A refugee, climate advocate, and social entrepreneur whose leadership continues to inspire across Africa and beyond. As the Founder & CEO of Solve & Flourish Africa (SOLFA), Fabris leads a youth-driven movement addressing environmental degradation, food insecurity, and climate change in refugee and rural communities.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Uganda’s Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Fabris has transformed his lived experience into powerful, lasting impact. Under his leadership, SOLFA delivers solutions in climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, water purification, waste management, climate education, and sustainable livelihoods proving what locally inspired innovation can achieve.
Fabris continues to elevate youth voices in climate advocacy — from COP28 to the ALCOY Climate Negotiation Simulation, REF FM Radio, the African Career Network, Kampala Edge Times, and the GALESS Energy Transition Challenge. Through SOLFA, he champions grassroots innovation, community resilience, and sustainable development led by those most affected by climate change.
The 2025 EMY Change Maker Award ceremony marked a powerful milestone in our journey of celebrating young innovators driving impact across Africa. This year, we raised the bar, awarding the winner a $10,000 grant and the invaluable opportunity to work closely with our team to further develop and scale their project.
The EMY Change Maker Award continues to shine a spotlight on young leaders who are shaping a better, more sustainable future and we are proud to support and amplify their transformative work.
Carmen Pedro de Rafael Mateia, Angola –A career consultant, employability strategist, and founder of Primeira Fila – Na Fila do Pão, Carmen is transforming how young people in Angola access opportunities for work and leadership.
Kezia Asiedua Sanie, Ghana – A Ghanaian lawyer, humanitarian, and award-winning social entrepreneur passionate about positively transforming the lives of underprivileged children and creating opportunities for them. She is the Founder and President of For The Future (FTF) Organization, a youth-led nonprofit working in Ghana and Nigeria to empower children through holistic education, mentorship, care, and opportunities to thrive.
Chaimae El Koufi, Morocco – Chaimae is a passionate leader in sustainable development dedicated to transforming communities in Morocco and beyond. Growing up in rural Morocco, she witnessed daily struggles—from water crises and early marriage to agricultural challenges—which shaped her lifelong mission to drive social and environmental change.
Seun Olagunju-Lana, Nigeria – Founder and Executive Director of The Development School Africa, Seun equips over 500 students across seven African countries with the knowledge and skills to design and lead social innovations in their communities. Through her leadership, she empowers young people to turn ideas into impactful projects, fostering a generation of changemakers committed to social transformation across the continent.
Tara Roos, South Africa –Tara is a political analyst and youth advocate passionate about youth empowerment, climate justice, and gender equality. She is the founder of The Participation Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening democratic engagement among young people.
Fabris Mulindi, Uganda – A refugee, climate advocate, and social entrepreneur, Fabris is the Founder & CEO of Solve & Flourish Africa (SOLFA), a youth-led social enterprise addressing environmental degradation, food insecurity, and climate change in refugee and rural communities.
Clement Ngosong, Cameroon – A youth development strategist, nonprofit leader, and learning experience designer, Clement is passionate about empowering young people across Africa to reach their full potential. He has designed and delivered impactful programs that equip youth with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in their communities and beyond.
Mfuranzima Fred, Rwanda – A Rwandan writer, poet, artist, photographer, and peace activist, Fred is the founder and director of Imfura Arts Center and Imfura Arts for Peace Association, platforms dedicated to promoting art, literature, and peace activism across the Great Lakes Region.
Veronica Mulenga, Zambia – A Zambian climate justice activist and educator, Veronica is dedicated to raising awareness about the climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. As the lead organizer of Youth Climate Save Zambia, she drives a youth-led movement connecting local action to global efforts addressing agriculture and climate change.
Leon Mugisho, DRC -A passionate Congolese climate activist, Leon is driven by his commitment to environmental justice and sustainability. With a degree in chemistry, he uses his scientific expertise to tackle pressing climate challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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.