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A year ago, the 36 women of the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme third cohort embarked on a new pathway with ambition, curiosity and a commitment to making a difference. Today, they stand transformed — not just by the work they have done, but by the lessons they have learned, the challenges they have overcome and the leaders they have become.
Each fellow’s journey has been marked by moments of realization, resilience and growth. Here, six fellows share their stories, proving that true leadership is not defined by titles, but by the courage to step forward, to learn and to uplift others along the way.
A fellowship that redefined leadership
For several of the fellows, leadership was once a distant concept, something confined to boardrooms and decision-making tables. But through this fellowship, they have come to see it not as a position, but as a way of being.
"Leadership is about how deeply you can touch people’s lives, no matter your position," reflects Yfaliana Ny Fitia Andrianjafy Mbeloharimahay. Originally from Madagascar, her experience showed her that change is not about grand gestures. Rather, it’s the small, consistent acts that add up to have true impact.
For Ethiopian national Muna Omer, leadership is about vision and longevity. "I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about addressing immediate challenges. It’s about creating structures that will last for generations," she shares, reflecting on her work in Mozambique, where she collaborated with government ministries to design sustainable solutions.
Meanwhile, Oluwafunmilayo Chinonye Samuel learned that leadership is about relationships. Originally from Nigeria and deployed to Lesotho, she describes: "Initially, I thought development was just about technical frameworks. But I now see that leadership is about people — helping them see the vision, find their place in it, and work wholeheartedly to achieve it."
Through experiences both uplifting and humbling, these fellows have redefined leadership in their own terms — as influence, as action, and most importantly, as service.
Growth at the intersection of challenge and opportunity
Every fellow entered the programme with expectations, but their experiences stretched them beyond their comfort zones.
For Lisa Rumbidzai Simango, leading the Advancing Just Energy Transition Programme was more than just a professional milestone. "I truly grasped the incredible potential we unlock when we invest in young people. Seeing their hope and ambition reaffirmed why I chose this path." Deployed to South Africa, Lisa is originally from Zimbabwe.
Emefa Duah, too, found growth in challenge during her deployment in New York. "I was constantly stepping out of my comfort zone, learning on the job, and adapting to different perspectives,” describes Emefa, originally from Ghana. “The pace at which I have gained new skills in such a short time is remarkable.”
For Inutu Katoti, from Zambia and working in Angola, growth meant embracing boldness. "Leadership is about making decisions even in uncertainty. I’ve learned that taking the first step, even when you don’t have all the answers, can inspire a ripple effect of change."
The biggest transformations often come from the moments of struggle — the times when they were stretched, tested, and forced to grow.
Turning points on a leadership journey
While the fellowship strengthened their technical expertise and leadership skills, it also shaped them personally.
Yfaliana says: "I had always known Africa was rich, yet so many of its people were struggling. But knowing something and feeling it in your bones are different things. This experience shattered me and rebuilt me. It made me feel beyond the policies and reports."
A conversation with a high-ranking UN official, Tatiana Wah, left a profound impact on her. "She told me, ‘A career in Africa is not for the weak. If you, as an African, do not rise and fight for this continent, who will?’ That moment changed everything for me."
For Lisa, a defining moment was sharing her personal story with UNDP’s Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, and UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner, during a global retreat. "Her words about making wise choices and giving my best when opportunities arise left a lasting impression. That conversation reaffirmed the transformative power of mentorship."
Meanwhile, Oluwafunmilayo had a pivotal moment when her Resident Representative, Dr Jacqueline Olweya, reminded her: "Never lose yourself because of the circumstances around you. Stay true to who you are, even when it’s difficult." Those words became a guiding principle, reminding her that authenticity is the foundation of true leadership.
The leaders they are becoming
As the fellowship nears its conclusion, each fellow leaves with a stronger sense of purpose—not just as professionals, but as leaders committed to driving lasting change.
"This fellowship has given me the confidence to take on leadership roles with a more strategic and people-centred approach," says Emefa.
For Muna, the experience has shaped her into a systems thinker, determined to design solutions that last for generations, not just decades.
Inutu carries forward a deep understanding of resilience and risk-taking. "I have learned to embrace the challenge of taking risks and aiming higher than I ever thought possible. This mindset will guide me in the next phase of my life."
As their fellowship journeys come to an end, these young women leaders step forward not just with new skills and experiences, but with a transformed sense of purpose. They leave knowing they have the power to drive change: within institutions, but also within communities, policies and mindsets. Their stories are testimonies of growth, resilience, and leadership in action. Because leadership is not just about what you achieve — it is about how you inspire, empower, and uplift others along the way. And these fellows are just getting started.
