Strengthening Democracies in Africa by Empowering a New Generation of Ethical Political Leaders and Active Citizens
Non-partisan political leadership development programmes to prepare young ethical leaders in Africa to lead with integrity. We also offer an online youth democracy learning programme to promote an informed and active citizenry.
We know the playbook.
We are changing the political landscape across Africa.
Africa’s democratic development faces significant challenges, including unaccountable leadership, underrepresentation of youth and women, and growing distrust in government systems.
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Despite being the world’s youngest continent, with nearly 60% of the population under 25, Africa’s young people remain largely excluded from politics and government. In 2024 the median age of Africa’s heads of government was 63 years old. Women, who comprise over half of Africa’s population, occupy only 27% of the parliamentary seats on the continent. At the current pace, gender parity is not expected until 2100.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMES
We are building a pipeline of strong, ethical political leaders.
Our non-partisan, interdisciplinary public leadership programmes are designed to increase the participation of African women and youth in government by addressing the unique challenges they face when running for office and helping them build the skills and networks to help them lead with integrity and impact.
“[The Southern Africa Public Leaders Programme] was an incredibly life-changing experience for me. It helped me to consolidate my leadership over a number of years in business as well as in development organisations, and to work towards starting a journey in public leadership.”
Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, Member of Parliament in South Africa & 2020 Futurelect Alumna
“Finding yourself navigating the world of politics with all its complexities and responsibilities is no easy task, but with the right tools, support, and people around you, there is nothing you can’t accomplish. Futurelect gave me the tools to rise, lead, and make an impact in Parliament.”
Malebo Kobe, Member of Parliament in South Africa & 2023 Futurelect Alumna
YOUTH & CIVICS
Building youth civic knowledge, enhancing participation, and promoting active citizen engagement across Africa.
Our online Civic Education Programmes are designed to build vibrant and engaged electorates by empowering them with the knowledge to participate in civic life.
Our Impact in Numbers
155
leadership programme graduates.
70%
of our leadership programme alumni are women.
55%
of our East African alumni will run for office in 2025/26.
40%
of leadership programme alumni are in public office.
Our growing community of graduates serve as democratically-elected leaders with diverse political affiliations in local councils and Parliaments in South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia. Futurelect alumni have also successfully pursued careers as political appointees supporting government leaders in South Africa, Kenya, South Sudan, Namibia, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. 16 of our graduates ran for election to public office in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Kenya in 2024, and a further twenty served as campaign staff for the 2024 elections in South Africa, Botswana, and Madagascar.
Futurelect programmes are designed and delivered in partnership with institutions and experts in democracy and leadership, including the University of Pretoria, Constitution Hill Trust, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, Pollicy, and Akina Mama wa Afrika.
Narrative Stories of Africa's Young Leaders
Futurelect, Africa’s leading public leadership and civic education non-profit and public benefit organisation, is proud to announce the release of its first-ever collection of leadership narratives. This powerful collection brings together personal accounts from Futurelect's East Africa Public Leadership Programme fellows, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of governance and democracy in their countries.
Our Mission Is Powered by These Partners
