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LCA Spotlight: Shaping the continent's Next Generation of Young Leaders | 2026 Virtual Leadership Academy Graduation





"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Leading Change Africa proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2026 Virtual Leadership Academy, marking the successful completion of an inspiring eight-week leadership journey for a new generation of African changemakers.

From an exceptionally competitive pool of 1,691 applicants, 360 outstanding young leaders from 44 African countries were selected to participate in a transformative learning experience. Through self-paced courses, interactive discussions, live sessions, mentorship, and collaborative projects, participants strengthened their leadership, communications, personal, and professional skills needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Supported by 12 dedicated facilitators and 6 experienced mentors, the Academy once again demonstrated how innovative technology-enabled learning can break geographical barriers and empower young leaders with the confidence, knowledge, and network to lead with purpose.

A defining moment of the graduation ceremony was an inspiring keynote address by Mr. Cheick Camara, Vice President and Managing Director of ServiceNow Africa. Drawing from his own leadership journey, he challenged graduates to embrace resilience, pursue excellence, and remain committed to creating lasting impact wherever they serve. His message resonated deeply with participants, particularly his powerful reminder:

"Success is hard. Failure is hard. So choose your hard." Mr. Cheick Camara

The ceremony was more than a celebration of completion, it was a celebration of possibility. It reflected the determination, growth, and leadership potential of every graduate who chose to invest in themselves and their future. As John C. Maxwell wisely said,

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."

The 2026 Virtual Leadership Academy graduates now join a growing community of ethical, visionary, and action-oriented leaders committed to shaping a more prosperous and inclusive Africa. Their journey does not end with graduation, it begins with the responsibility and opportunity to lead positive change across the continent.

At Leading Change Africa, we remain steadfast in our mission to equip young Africans with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to transform challenges into solutions and vision into action. We look forward to witnessing the extraordinary impact this new cohort will make in the years ahead.


Continue the journey

Read Summer Spotlight: Five Days That Set the Tone for LCA’s 2026 Intern Cohort, a glimpse into how our 2026 interns began their leadership journey.


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