Her journey took a remarkable turn when she founded WomHub, an innovative company supporting high-growth female founders in STEM through our engineering labs, co-working space and fund. The organization is dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering women in the engineering industry.

Through WomHub, Naadiya and her team have tirelessly worked to bridge the gender gap in engineering by providing mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities for aspiring female engineers. Their efforts have not only nurtured a supportive community for women in STEM but also instigated vital conversations about inclusivity and equality.

Under Naadiya’s leadership, WomHub has grown into an international movement, creating ripples of change across continents. From workshops and conferences to scholarships and advocacy campaigns, Naadiya’s dedication to leveling the playing field for women in engineering has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her belief in the potential of women to drive innovation and solve complex challenges has sparked a positive transformation, inspiring young girls to dream big and pursue their engineering passions.

After graduating from university, Msechu worked as an international trade adviser at the French embassy in Nairobi. In this role, he helped French companies to invest in and trade with East Africa. He later founded Anza Strategy to help companies to enter and grow in the African market by providing market intelligence, business advisory services, and investment matchmaking services. The company has advised more than 30 companies from four continents on their African expansion plans.

Msechu is a passionate advocate for economic development in Africa. He is a member of the African Business Leaders Network and the Young Presidents’ Organization. He is also a mentor to young entrepreneurs in Tanzania.

In 2019, he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Africa, and his work was recognized for helping to promote economic transformation in Africa. Msechu is a rising star in the African business community. He is a visionary entrepreneur committed to making a difference in the continent. He is an inspiration to young people across Africa who are looking to build successful businesses and contribute to the continent’s development.

From her early days, she embarked on a journey fuelled by a deep-rooted desire to uplift the voices of the youth and inspire positive change. Her dedication led her to work closely with organizations such as Generation Unlimited, where she has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for young minds to unleash their potential and drive innovation.

She is currently serving as the Youth Envoy at the African Union Commission. As the African Union Youth Envoy, Chido has become a resounding voice for the aspirations of the African youth. Her efforts to amplify their concerns on the regional and international stage have earned her admiration and respect across borders.

By advocating for policies that prioritize youth development, education, and employment, she paves the way for a brighter future for countless young individuals. Her commitment to environmental sustainability is equally inspiring.

Through her endeavours, she underscores the importance of collective action in tackling the urgent environmental challenges we face today. She was recently recognized with the International Environmental Leadership Award, a testament to her dedication to safeguarding our planet.

He is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. Njavwa is the founder and CEO of Caantin, formerly TopUp Mama, a platform that builds technology and products that help restaurant entrepreneurs manage, purchase, and finance their inventory.

Powered by AI, Caantin is building infrastructure to enable commerce and level the playing field for all, from mom-and-pop restaurants to local fruit suppliers, to increase global GDP. Njavwa previously worked at Lori in a Global Product Operations role and co-founded Musanga Logistics. This logistics company provides last-mile delivery services to businesses in Kenya. He inspires entrepreneurs and changemakers across Africa and mentors budding entrepreneurs at Google for Startups.

Powered by AI, Caantin is building infrastructure to enable commerce and level the playing field for all, from mom-and-pop restaurants to local fruit suppliers, to increase global GDP. Njavwa previously worked at Lori in a Global Product Operations role and co-founded Musanga Logistics. This logistics company provides last-mile delivery services to businesses in Kenya. He inspires entrepreneurs and changemakers across Africa and mentors budding entrepreneurs at Google for Startups.

But the true driving force behind its transformation lies in its youth—the dynamic, ambitious, and innovative individuals who are shaping a brighter tomorrow.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, African youth are at the forefront of change. Their passion for progress, determination to break barriers, and hunger for knowledge are propelling the continent forward.

With a spirit of resilience born from overcoming challenges, they are rewriting narratives and building bridges towards sustainable development.

From bustling urban centers to remote rural communities, African youth are initiating transformation in every corner.

They are entrepreneurs developing cutting-edge solutions for local challenges, advocates for social justice raising their voices against inequality, and tech pioneers harnessing innovation to bridge gaps in education and healthcare.

As the world marks International Youth Day, Empower Africa proudly spotlights 30 exceptional individuals who are driving positive change, innovation, and progress across the continent.

At Empower Africa, our mission is to catalyze sustainable economic development through human capital investment, and these 30 young leaders are exemplary embodiments of that mission, carving paths of impact in various fields.

1. Jessica Annor – Head of the Youth, Gender and Women’s Empowerment Unit – African Union Development Agency-NEPAD

2. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba – Special Envoy on Youth to African Union Chairperson

3. Cynthia Chigwenya – African Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for Southern Africa (African Union)

4. Nicholas Addae Mensah – Founder & President – Youth Network For Health Promotion

5. Simi Nwogugu – CEO at JA Africa

6. Joshua Alade – Executive Director – Nigeria Youth SDGs Network

7. Kingsley Godwin – CYPAN Chairperson – The Commonwealth

8. Damilola Hamid Balogun – CEO – Youth Sustainable Development Network

9. Dr. Femi Awoyomi – African Youth Development Champion

10. Lucy Mutuku – CEO – National Youth Caucus Kenya

11. Rogers Omollo – East Africa Coordinator – African Youth Philanthropy Network (AYPN)

12. Arnold Gekonge – Founder – Champions for SDGs Youth

13. Christine Odera – Member Board Of Directors – National Youth Service Kenya

14. Doreen Moraa – AS Young leader 2021

15. Lennox Omondi – Global Youth Ambassador – Theirworld

16. Anita Soina – Head of Socials – African Youth Climate Assembly

17. Gathoni Kungu – Vice President at Youth Up Global

18. Sharmi Surianarain – Chief Impact Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

19. Mariam Sedky – Youth Advocate Gender Innovation Agora (GIA) at UN Women

20. Emmanuel Wabwire – CEO & Founder Faraja Africa Foundation

21. Denis Wembi – Project CO- Lead, Youth Cast

22. Jovia Kisaakye – Youth Advocate

23. Rebecca Cherop – Youth Advisory Team for Health at Africa CDC

24. Emolot Allan David – Chairperson-AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council

25. Akuot Sarah – Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports (South Sudan)

26. Floyd (Mr F) Mokhena – Youth Advocate

27. Risuna (O) Maluleke – CEO of Young African Entrepreneurs Institute

28. Valentine Mugun – Youth Leader at Global Partnership for Education

29. Mihret Walelgne – Youth Advisor at Mastercard Foundation

30. Zebiba Musema – Pan African Youth Leadership Program Adult Mentor