By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre Southern Africa (RLC-SA) is set to host it’s first-ever exhibition in Eswatini.
The event, organized by the YALI RLC-SA Eswatini Alumni Chapter, will take place on 20 November 2024, at the New Mall in Mbabane. This marks a significant milestone for the local chapter since its establishment.
The exhibition will showcase YALI alumni members who are driving positive change in their communities, highlighting the businesses and projects they are spearheading.
According to event organizers Mbongiseni Magwaza and Cebsile Dlamini, both part of the outgoing executive committee of the Eswatini Chapter, the response from alumni has been overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to participate.
“We are excited to host this exhibition and encourage the public to attend and support the initiatives of YALI alumni,” Magwaza said. “It is a chance to learn more about the YALI programmes and engage with young leaders who are making an impact. Registration for alumni to showcase their businesses is still open, and we invite all members to be part of this important event.”
The YALI exhibition series, held in countries with active alumni chapters, serves as a platform to promote businesses and entrepreneurship initiatives run by programme beneficiaries. YALI, a U.S. government initiative, was created to nurture leadership and entrepreneurial skills among young Africans. Through regional leadership centers across the continent, the programme provides training, resources, and learning opportunities for emerging leaders.
The YALI RLC-SA, which serves Southern African countries including Eswatini, offers a variety of learning tracks, including entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management and governance. Throughout the year, young leaders can apply to join online and in-person cohorts through a competitive selection process.
Eswatini has benefited significantly from YALI programmes, with many young EmaSwati participating in YALI’s training and the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship. These opportunities have supported leadership development and entrepreneurship in the country. The upcoming exhibition will further highlight the contributions of YALI alumni and inspire future leaders in Eswatini.