Celebrating the
Inaugural Cohort
of the Amahoro
Fellowship Program

Those who know me well will say I never shut up — I’m always talking. But tonight… I’m speechless. I’m overwhelmed. I’m nearly in tears. This is beautiful.

I remember back in 2023, sitting at Ashesi University and meeting all of you for the first time. I told you then that I was scared for you. Do you remember? I was scared because the responsibility you carry — what we all need to do for this continent — is huge. It’s daunting. I didn’t know how you were going to do it.
And yet, here you are. You’ve shattered every expectation I had. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

This fellowship — it started as just an idea. We were asking, “Why is there no leadership program specifically for displaced people?” If we want to create true leaders in Africa, we can’t only choose from a few countries or from privileged backgrounds. Most people leading change in Africa aren’t even included in these spaces. So we said, “Let’s change that.” Let’s find amazing leaders who wouldn’t be found otherwise, and let’s bring them into a community that supports and uplifts.

And now it’s real. We are so, so grateful — truly — to the Mastercard Foundation for making this happen. Without you, this would still be just an idea. So thank you, sincerely.

You’ve heard it before: the challenges are real. Every day someone tells us why something won’t work. But then I look at you — at what you’ve done — and I’m blown away.

In just 12 months, you’ve collectively created close to 250 jobs across the African continent. Be proud of that. You’ve launched impactful initiatives. You’ve collaborated — something we rarely see among African leaders. You’ve built with each other, supported each other.

We’ve seen Kizza and Zang working together. Dier and Shalom. So many of you have created powerful, community-driven products and impact. And beyond the work, you’ve built something even more valuable: trust. That network, that love, that bond — it’s a kind of currency.

Let me share a memory: last year, we ran a cooking challenge to create stress and force you to work together. It wasn’t a fancy kitchen — one stove, basic tools. We gave you a little money, split you into groups, and added stress: turned off the stove, hid the knives, messed things up. In past groups, people fought. “You took my onion!” “That’s my spoon!” But not you. You just kept going. You adapted. You finished the meal. And we sat together in joy and celebration. That’s leadership.

And now, just like I said in 2023, the work begins. You have even more responsibility now.
Cohort One — you must mentor Cohort Two. One of you must take my job someday. That’s the point. Step into the leadership roles you’ve created for yourselves. Be bold. Take your place.

I want to see an Amahoro where most of the team is made up of fellowship alumni. You’re part of a network now — and in time, that network will reward you. But only if you stay vulnerable with each other. Be honest. Trust one another. Because out of vulnerability comes strength, growth, impact — and yes, even money, if that’s what you’re after.

I’m depending on you to set the tone for all future fellows. Ten years from now, I want you to look back and say, “We built something.”

So go. Be everything you can be. Conquer the world. Be ambassadors. Be mentors. Help us select the next class. And build an unstoppable network across this continent.
I am so proud of you. You have no idea.

Before I leave the stage, I must thank the people who made this possible.

First, the Mastercard Foundation — again. Thank you. With deep humility, thank you. Without the funding, none of this happens. And to whom much is given, much is expected.

Next, PSA — Nina, Cara, Colum, and Maria — thank you for flying here from Europe, the U.S., and Dubai. Thank you for trusting us. PSA is no small organization — this is the largest port authority in the world. For you to invest time, mentorship, and senior leadership in these fellows is extraordinary. You didn’t send junior staff. You sent directors and VPs. That means everything. Thank you.

To Near Delta — though not here tonight — thank you. You helped design our first curriculum and were with us from the very beginning. We honor that.

And to the selection committee — I don’t even know who picks the fellows anymore! We get around 3,000 early applications per year. About 1,800–2,000 are complete. From that, we choose 30. It takes time, energy, and deep care. For this cohort, 77 people were interviewed, and only 30 were selected. So to the committee: thank you. Please stand so we can recognize you.