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.
The collection is a bold declaration from emerging leaders who refuse to remain on the sidelines. Their stories reflect the realities of political leadership—overcoming obstacles, striving forward, and holding steadfast to democratic values.
Lindiwe Mazibuko, Founder & CEO of Futurelect, underscores the significance of this book, stating:"This collection of stories is a testament to that commitment. This book is a loud statement of intent from our fellows—leaders who will not simply stand by and watch in the political and public sphere. Their experiences, as recorded on these pages, present starkly the realities of leadership: the ceaseless striving forward, the obstacles that need to be torn down, and the staying power to maintain faith in democratic values against all odds.”
The book features deeply personal reflections from Futurelect fellows, offering a rare glimpse into the lived experiences of emerging leaders from Sudan, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. These accounts highlight critical issues such as gender equality in governance, the fight for human rights, and the importance of inclusive and representative leadership.
Natasha Kimani, Regional Director: East Africa, describes the publication as a significant milestone for Futurelect:"This collection of narratives, a first from Futurelect, is a reflection of the leadership journey that our fellows have undertaken and the role they seek to play in their individual countries and communities. This journal gives us insights into the political and public leadership issues that matter to our fellows and their individual and collective call to action.”
Among the featured narratives are compelling calls to action from across the continent:
“There is hope in this fight. The resilience of the Sudanese people, the dedication of civil society organisations, and the unwavering belief in justice fuel our efforts. Together, we can overcome the challenges before us.”— Mohammed Ismail Eltahir Bera, Sudan
“Our nation cannot progress without women's full participation in governance. By investing in young women, mentoring them, and breaking the barriers that hold us back, we can build a Kenya where leadership reflects its people's strength, resilience, and diversity.”— Whitney Mwenje, Kenya
"As I look forward to serving in parliament, one of my key priorities will be advocating for investing more resources into healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. I will also push for policies that make healthcare and support services more accessible and affordable for mothers like me.”— Juliet Soila Sankale, Kenya
This publication serves as both an inspiration and a call to action, demonstrating the power of young leaders in shaping Africa’s democratic future. Futurelect invites readers, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage with these stories and be part of the movement for a more inclusive and just society.
For media inquiries, please contact Shaunei Gerber, Head of Marketing and Communications at Futurelect, at shaunei@futurelect.org.