Stories from Sub-Saharan Africa

Changemaker Journey An avid IT enthusiast, Joshua has always been passionate about technology. Immersing himself in all things tech-related and honing his digital skills at an exceptionally young age, Joshua whet his appetite for IT at any and every opportunity he could get. However, over time, he...

Changemaker Journey Currently enrolled at the University of Calabar — undertaking an Economics and Education Bachelor's degree — Ruth prides herself on effecting lasting change as a girl child advocate. Having personally contended with the challenges of period poverty growing up, raising greater...

Changemaker Journey Almajirai are children — typically between the ages of 5 and 14 — enrolled in non-formal institutions referred to as “Tsangaya”: Qur’anic schools that teach an Islamic system of education. These children are often from the most underserved rural areas in northern Nigeria, and...

Splendour Kalu is a young changemaker dedicated to empowering students in rural areas of Nigeria, especially young girls, with digital skills. Through his initiative, Communities Will Connect, Splendour is bridging the digital literacy gap by providing underserved children the opportunity to learn...

Godwin Kevin is a young changemaker working to ensure access to opportunities for young people. As a passionate advocate for youth leadership and empowerment, he is committed to connecting young people to resources, training and engagements that help them become changemakers. He believes that with...

David Onilude is a young changemaker empowering and improving the livelihoods of children in underserved communities in Nigeria through technology. His work is ensuring that young people in rural communities have the digital skills, resources, and support to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world...

Ayomide Akran is a 13-year-old changemaker dedicated to sustainable environment and gender equality in Nigeria. She is committed to combatting ‘period poverty’ and improving the recycling system in Nigeria by providing sustainable reusable pads for young girls. Ayomide believes that with the right...

Jonathan Godwin is a technology savvy young changemaker who is helping ensure that young people with few financial or educational resources are building the skills most needed for today's rapidly changing world. He is unleashing their power as changemakers through alternative models that champion...

“I want to leave everyone that I have met better than how I met them. I want them to begin to see possibilities in themselves, and begin to think of growth.”

Daniel is on a journey to enable young people in Lagos, Nigeria to determine their own future through education, employment, and agency.

Bukola's journey to launching Nigeria’s first online and voluntary blood donor register started in her teens. Since learning she had sickle cell as a young girl, Bukola has been on a mission to increase the quality of life for millions living with the disease.

Uche discovered his love for innovation and entrepreneurship at a young age, which prepared him to transform infant and maternal health practices across Nigeria.

Future Forward, an initiative by Ashoka and the MasterCard Foundation, identifies and supports social entrepreneurs and changemakers with innovative solutions for youth employment in sub-Saharan Africa. How well do you develop youth leaders? Discover your personal strengths, how your organization...