YIL Fellowship celebrates cohort from 10 African countries

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Twenty-seven fellows from 10 African countries were recently graduated and inducted at the Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship ceremonies held at the African University of Science and Technology and Innov8 Hub in Abuja.

The events marked the conclusion of the 2025 cohort and reinforced the Fellowship’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading programs for leadership and innovation development.

Founded in 2018 by Obichi Obiajunwa under the Hutzpa Centre for Innovation and Development, the fellowship stated that it has trained over 3,000 young people across 30 African countries through various short-term programmes. A statement shared with Society Plus also noted that its flagship four-month fellowship has produced 205 young professionals who have completed the full innovation leadership journey.

The fellowship also recognised three distinguished partners—AUST, WIPO, and Innov8 Hub—whose support enhanced both the academic and practical components of the programme. Graduating fellows were awarded a Diploma in Innovation Management from AUST, underscoring the program’s demanding curriculum and high standards.

Headquartered in Abuja, the Hutzpa Centre is a non-profit institution dedicated to advancing human development through education and innovation. Over seven years, it has grown from a Nigerian initiative into a regional platform, with alumni driving change across academia, government, civil society, and industry. Its mission remains to equip young leaders with the mindset, tools, and mentorship needed to build solutions for Africa’s most pressing challenges.

This year’s cohort was notable for its diversity and resilience. Despite the hurdles of virtual learning—including connectivity challenges and time differences—participants demonstrated determination, delivering high-quality work and a wide range of innovative ideas.

Reflecting on the fellowship’s impact, Obiajunwa said the programme continues to shape Africa’s future by nurturing thinkers and builders committed to service. “We are raising leaders who think differently and act decisively to solve Africa’s toughest challenges,” he said.

With over 200 alumni already making an impact across the continent, the YIL Fellowship remains steadfast in its mission to build a generation of innovators who will redefine Africa’s development story, one solution at a time.

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