We’re excited to share ALA’s 2024 Annual Report! It’s packed with inspiring stories that showcase the talent, dedication, and achievements of our students, alumni, staff, and faculty.
From innovative projects to personal milestones, these stories show how education and community create meaningful change. We invite you to explore the incredible work happening across our network and share these stories to amplify their impact.
Take a look and be inspired by the difference we’re making together.
Letter from ALA's CEO Hatim Eltayeb
Dear Friends,
It is with immense pride that I share African Leadership Academy’s 2024 Annual Report—a reflection of a year defined by progress, resilience, and the enduring promise of a brighter future for Africa. In these pages, you’ll find stories that speak to the heart of our mission: to cultivate ethical, entrepreneurial leaders who will drive transformative change across the continent.
You’ll meet exceptional students like Mirriam Phiri '24 (Zambia), a current Year One student who is already a fierce advocate for children’s rights. This year, Mirriam traveled to Brussels to amplify youth voices at the European Week of Action for Girls with Save the Children Europe, while also leading efforts in Zambia to combat child marriage and teenage pregnancy through her work with the Children’s News Agency.
Another inspiring story comes from siblings Jeremy Muchilwa '24 and Michelle Muchilwa '22 (Kenya). Jeremy, a current Year One student, and Michelle, who graduated from ALA last year, co-founded Osiepe Sango (Friends of Lake Victoria) to combat plastic pollution in Lake Victoria. Their NGO has already removed over 10 tons of waste, thanks in part to Jeremy’s innovation—a solar-powered drone named WALTER that collects underwater trash. Their work is a testament to youth-driven solutions that tackle environmental challenges while inspiring hope for the future.
Our alumni continue to exemplify what it means to lead with purpose. Cornelia Kruah-Togba '08 (Liberia) was recently appointed a Deputy Minister in Liberia, where she is shaping public policy and advocating for youth and women’s rights. Her unwavering dedication to meaningful change reflects the values of ethical leadership we hold dear at ALA.
We are equally proud of Linda Dounia Rebeiz '10 (Senegal), named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2023. Through her art, Linda uses artificial intelligence to challenge biases, reimagine landscapes, and highlight the devastating consequences of climate change. Her work inspires critical conversations about what must be preserved as we pursue progress.
These stories remind us of what is possible when young Africans are given the platform and support to lead. Since 2008, nearly 1,800 students from 47 countries have joined ALA’s two-year program. Our alumni have gone on to attend 314 universities in 59 countries, securing $230 million in scholarships, and they’ve launched 580 ventures, creating 1,258 jobs. Most importantly, 73% of ALA graduates are actively engaged in work or projects across Africa, addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and building a foundation for long-term change.
At ALA, 95% of our students receive financial aid, and their ability to access this transformative opportunity depends on the generosity of donors like you. Every contribution directly empowers young leaders—like Mirriam and Jeremy—ensuring they have the tools, networks, and resources they need to thrive and lead.
Your support goes beyond generosity—it reflects a shared belief in Africa’s potential and a commitment to creating lasting solutions for its future. Together, we can tackle today’s challenges while laying the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are shaping a generation of leaders who will transform Africa—and the world.
With deep gratitude,
Hatim Eltayeb
Chief Executive Officer
African Leadership Academy
