At Stowelink Foundation, empowering young leaders to drive change is at the heart of what we do. Our leadership team—CEO Ogweno Stephen and COO Oduor Kevin—recently had the honor of contributing to the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in unique and impactful ways. YALI, a flagship leadership program launched by the U.S. government, is a transformative platform for African leaders aged 18-35, equipping them with the skills to address critical challenges in their communities and beyond.

Ogweno Stephen: Mentorship and Leadership Development

As a seasoned public health professional and entrepreneur, Ogweno Stephen served as both a mentor and judge for YALI’s recent cohort in Mombasa. His role was pivotal in guiding young leaders as they refined their ideas and built strategies for sustainable community impact. Drawing from his experience at Stowelink and his health-tech innovations, Ogweno provided actionable insights into aligning personal and organizational goals with community well-being.

Through tailored mentorship, he focused on nurturing resilience, bold thinking, and evidence-based decision-making—skills that are vital for today’s changemakers. As a judge, Ogweno had the unique opportunity to evaluate diverse projects, ranging from health and education to environmental sustainability. His involvement reaffirmed Stowelink’s belief in the power of youth-led solutions to address Africa’s challenges.

Oduor Kevin: A Front-Row Seat to Innovation

As an alumnus of YALI, Oduor Kevin brought a wealth of perspective to the YALI Cohort 59 Design Challenge, where he served as a judge. This experience allowed him to witness firsthand the transformative power of youth innovation. From groundbreaking ideas in agriculture to mental health interventions and cultural integration in refugee camps, the range of projects showcased the brilliance and creativity of young Africans.

One standout project aimed to address post-harvest losses in agriculture using solar-powered storage units, demonstrating the potential for tech-driven solutions to enhance food security. Another initiative focused on cultural integration in the Kakuma refugee camps, fostering social cohesion through education and cultural exchange programs. Oduor’s experience highlighted not only the ingenuity of these young leaders but also the urgent need for investment and multi-stakeholder collaboration to scale these solutions.

The Power of Collaboration and Investment

Both Ogweno and Oduor agree that Africa is brimming with innovative ideas, but it’s the lack of investment and collaboration that limits their potential. By partnering with young leaders, investors and organizations can unlock transformative change in areas like health, food security, and social cohesion. Initiatives like YALI serve as a critical platform to showcase these ideas and provide the necessary mentorship, networks, and resources to help them thrive.

Stowelink’s Commitment to Leadership Development

At Stowelink Foundation, we believe that fostering leadership is a cornerstone of sustainable development. Our involvement in YALI reflects our broader mission to inspire and equip young changemakers to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, including non-communicable diseases, climate change, and health education.

A Call to Action

To the young Africans whose projects we had the privilege of witnessing, your courage, creativity, and determination are a beacon of hope for Africa’s future. At Stowelink, we are committed to supporting initiatives that amplify youth voices and provide platforms for transformative change. Let us continue to work together—leaders, investors, and changemakers alike—to ensure that these ideas are not just celebrated but also supported and scaled for lasting impact.

Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous Africa. Stay connected with Stowelink as we continue to champion the next generation of leaders driving change across the continent.