Sylvain Himbana

Founder & Executive Director of SINA Loketa (SINAL)

Sylvain Himbana is the Founder and Executive Director of SINA Loketa (SINAL), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable refugees and marginalized youth in Uganda. Driven by a strong foundation in social work, including certification from the University of Utah, Sylvain’s journey into social entrepreneurship has been shaped by hands-on experience and education. Over the past three years, he has further refined his skills at the Social Innovation Academy, gaining valuable insights into fostering impactful change within communities.

Inspired by the challenges he witnessed in the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Sylvain launched the Startup Lab initiative to equip young entrepreneurs with essential skills in business development, sustainable farming, and market research. To date, SINA Loketa has empowered over 240 young individuals, helping them build sustainable livelihoods that promote economic resilience and hope within their communities. His commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized youth has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named a UNHCR Fellow in 2020, receiving the UNHCR Innovation Award in 2018, and serving as a refugee expert at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva in 2023. In 2023, Sylvain was also honored with the Social Impact Award for his transformative contributions to youth empowerment.

As an active member of the Ashoka Everywhere Academy, Sylvain connects with changemakers worldwide, continually expanding his approach to social entrepreneurship. His vision is to nurture the next generation of leaders and create an inclusive ecosystem where innovation and collaboration flourish, transforming challenges into opportunities for lasting impact. Committed to turning vision into action, Sylvain remains focused on building a future where young people thrive in their entrepreneurial pursuits, fostering resilience and progress within their communities.