Five young Africans are among the 17 global changemakers named by the United Nations as the 2025 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — a biannual recognition of youth driving transformative action across the world.
Announced on UN Day by the UN Youth Office, this fifth cohort continues a legacy that began in 2016 under the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth.
Every two years, the UN Youth Office recognises 17 exceptional young changemakers who are driving solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges and whose leadership is helping to advance the achievement of the SDGs.
Since its inception, the initiative has reached millions of young people around the globe, inspiring action and amplifying youth-led innovation and collaboration.
The initiative shines a spotlight on young people tackling the planet’s toughest challenges — from climate change and education to peacebuilding and mental health — while inspiring millions more to act.
This year’s selection followed a competitive process that drew over 33,000 applications from more than 150 countries, underscoring the global appetite among youth to contribute to the SDGs.
Among the 17 honourees, five are from Africa, each representing the creativity, resilience and leadership of the continent’s young generation. These include:
Hafsat (Havfy) Abdullahi, Nigeria
Award-Winning Performance Poet
A multi-award-winning performance poet using spoken word to promote peace, gender equality, and mental health.
With over a million followers across social media, she uses her art and influence to advocate for women and girls, education, and youth empowerment in underrepresented communities.
Her bold, thought-provoking performances have earned recognition from organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, UNFPA, and TEDx, and she has collaborated with major brands including Coca-Cola, Wema Bank, and MAVINS Records—blending art, activism, and entrepreneurship to, in her words, “change the world, one metaphor at a time.”
Jacques Kwibuka, Rwanda
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Advocate & Founder of Informed Future Generations
Founder of Informed Future Generations (IFG), a youth-led platform that empowers young people to become healthy, informed decision-makers.
His work focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV and AIDS prevention, mental health, and substance abuse awareness through youth-friendly, evidence-based health education and services.
Enthusiastic about linking health, policy, and advocacy for sustainable development, Jacques envisions a generation of resilient, informed, and visionary young leaders driving healthier and more equitable communities in Rwanda and beyond.
Stephane Kulimushi Mutanda, DRC
Basketball Player, Coach & Founder of the Refugee Basketball Academy
A young social entrepreneur, basketball player and coach from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, currently based in Uganda.
He is the founder of the Refugee Basketball Academy (RBA), an initiative that empowers refugee and marginalised youth through sports, mentorship and education.
Using basketball as a bridge for peace, resilience, and social inclusion, Stephane helps young refugees build confidence and create brighter futures and is committed to contributing to the 2030 Agenda through empowerment, sports and education.
Tanatswa Amanda Chikaura, Zimbabwe
Mental Health Advocate & Founder of Ndinewe Foundation
Founder of the Ndinewe Foundation, which promotes mental health awareness and provides psychosocial support to young people. Tanatswa is a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge, focusing on autism, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Her advocacy has earned her the prestigious Diana Award for social action and humanitarian work. Tanatswa collaborates with local and international partners to promote youth empowerment and ensure mental health remains a global priority.
Mariam Solika, Egypt
Founder and CEO of ‘The Good News’ media platform
Founder and CEO of The Good News (TGN), the Arab world’s leading positive news platform reimagining how stories about youth are told.
Launched when she was just 21, TGN now reaches over 20 million people monthly, sharing stories that inspire hope, challenge stereotypes, and spotlight overlooked voices.
Through TGN, Mariam has connected more than 20,000 young people to learning and leadership opportunities and has served as a Youth Communications Consultant for COP27, COP28, and COP29. Named UNICEF Egypt’s “Most Inspiring Youth” (2023) and a UN Youth Advisory Board Member, she continues to prove that hope is both her message and her mission.
The young leader’s work embodies the UN’s call to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly in Africa where young people make up over 60 per cent of the population and are increasingly leading innovation in sustainable development.
“The 2025 cohort of Young Leaders for the SDGs is a powerful testament to the courage, creativity and commitment of young people driving real change in every corner of the world,” said Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. “From confronting the climate crisis to championing peace and mental health, these young leaders are not just responding to global challenges — they are reshaping the future. Their stories remind us that investing in youth is investing in hope.”
The UN Youth Office oversees the initiative, which was created in 2023 to strengthen the UN’s engagement with young people and ensure their participation in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Through the Young Leaders programme, the UN provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and visibility to help scale youth-led solutions worldwide.
