Ashoka
Rising Changemakers: Young African Climate Leaders Shaping a Greener Future Igniting Youth Agency for Climate Action
Across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana, young people are stepping up as powerful catalysts for climate action. The Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge, a year-long initiative led by Ashoka in partnership with the Anglo-American Foundation, sought to unlock the creativity and innovation of young minds aged 16 to 25. Through a dynamic learning journey, we gathered groundbreaking ideas and existing initiatives—sparking collaboration, cross-border knowledge sharing, and the amplification of youth-led solutions.
This initiative wasn’t just about ideas; it was about action. Through mentorship, community engagement, and resource mobilization, we provided the top 10 young climate leaders with the support needed to take their work to the next level and a prize award of $1000. These changemakers are not waiting for permission to make a difference—they are leading the charge for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Meet the 10 Changemaking Teams Driving Impact
Activating Agency: Young People as the Architects of Change
The success of these changemakers underscores a fundamental truth: young people have the power to create real, lasting impact when given the right opportunities and support. At Ashoka, we believe that fostering changemaker qualities from a young age—such as empathy, leadership, and problem-solving—enables young people to see themselves as agents of change.
By activating their agency, young people are not only solving immediate environmental challenges but also shaping the narrative around youth leadership in climate resilience. Their projects reflect a deep understanding that climate action is not a solo endeavour but a collective mission requiring bold ideas, collaboration, and relentless commitment.
Why Climate Resilience Matters Today and for Generations to Come
Africa is at the forefront of the climate crisis, facing extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. The importance of equipping young people with the tools to drive climate resilience cannot be overstated. These changemakers are demonstrating that solutions lie within communities and that grassroots innovation can spark global transformation.
By supporting young climate leaders, we are not just addressing today’s environmental challenges—we are investing in a sustainable, regenerative future led by those who will inherit it. Their work serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all sectors—governments, businesses, and civil society—to invest in youth-led climate solutions.
A Future Powered by Young Changemakers
The Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge is more than just an initiative; it is a movement. A movement that proves when young people are empowered, they will rise to meet the defining challenges of their generation.
As we celebrate these 10 winners, we also recognize the countless other young people across Africa who are taking action in their own ways. Their courage, innovation, and leadership remind us that change is not just possible—it is already happening.
To learn more about the winners and their projects, visit: https://www.changemakers.com/en/challenge/young-african-climate-changemaker/YACC-2024-winners