Members of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF) on Wednesday March 25 organised a press conference to elaborate on its mission in Cameroon and opportunities for youths. Discussions during the press conference focused on youth innovation, leadership development, and mindset change, an approach that organizers say is essential for sustainable development across the continent.During the press conference, foundation representative disclosed that the Future Africa Leaders Foundation Award ( FALA) offer funding to young people who present original ideas that can help develop Africa. They said each edition of the initiative selects ideas which centers on identifying real challenges in African communities and encouraging young people to propose solutions rather than waiting for external help. While the end of year awards remain a key highlight, organizers emphasized that the program goes beyond recognition by supporting structured development activities throughout the year.According to Pastor Akin Oketunji, representative of the Director of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, upcoming initiatives include youth conferences across multiple countries, leadership and development programs, and “mind management” sessions. He reiterated that raising awareness alone is not sufficient as participants may revert to old habits if their way of thinking is not reshaped.He said the foundation highlights the importance of leadership development and youth education as the next phase of the initiative’s work.A central message repeated throughout the event was the belief that Africa’s future must be shaped by Africans themselves. Speakers said the foundation’s motivation is to help young people understand that the continent has abundant natural and human resources and that African youth have the capacity to lead development efforts.They noted that leadership branding is meant to show young Africans they have potential locally, and that development should not depend on non-African assistance.It came out of the press conference that following the selection of the funding award, participants begin making presentations at the start of each year, outlining what they are doing and what they have developed. At the end of the year, the foundation evaluates top entries based on their effectiveness in solving problems within communities. It was made clear that there is no single theme; instead, the focus remains on young people developing solutions, identifying needs, and addressing them directly.
The representative of the governor of the Littoral region Mr Abena Afanda Yvan said such initiative should be encouraged while ensuring the government’s support to ensure the development of young people.The press conference was an opportunity for former winners to share their experience For FALA ambassador Ngassa Merlin , the initiative is an opportunity for young people to receive support and guidance. He also encouraged youth to take advantage of the available grants and highlighted personal impact efforts, including sending children back to school and expanding leadership activities across multiple nations.For Annette Ewusi who is working across three main areas: strengthening student leadership and education quality, supporting children in obtaining legal documentation such as birth certificates, and mentoring youth entrepreneurship and long-term vision through programs like vision boards.She said this year’s award and grant will help her expand her work beyond current focus regions to cover all 10 regions of Cameroon.On his part, Ambassador Nzometia Nervis, Winner of the 2021 FALA Star prize , his organization develops STEM-focused training programs for children and young people beginning at age seven. The approach includes teaching AI, robotics, coding, and virtualization, alongside leadership skills.He also described the development of educational products intended to improve hands-on learning and reduce dependence on imported learning materials. The FALA awards is merged with year-round youth training, conferences, and mentorship programs to build a pipeline of capable young leaders who can identify community challenges and deliver practical solutions powered by a renewed mindset and leadership skills.
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