The journey to selecting the 2025 Griots Fellows was both inspiring and challenging. With over 50 exceptional applications received, the selection process was highly competitive, reflecting the immense talent and dedication among Africa’s emerging leaders. Each applicant showcased a remarkable track record of impact in their respective fields, from public service and civil society activism to entrepreneurship and the creative arts. Their applications demonstrated not only professional excellence but also an unwavering commitment to advancing ethical leadership and transformative change across the continent.
The selection committee was particularly moved by the diversity and quality of applications, especially from individuals outside the LéO Africa Network. These submissions underscored a shared vision for a transformed Africa, rooted in values-based leadership and a rejection of outdated stereotypes. Narrowing down the pool to 27 fellows was a painstaking task, as every applicant brought unique perspectives and inspiring initiatives. We are deeply grateful for the time, effort, and passion invested by all applicants, whose contributions have already enriched our understanding of Africa’s potential.
The Griots Fellowship: A New Platform for African Leadership
The Griots Fellowship represents a bold and innovative step for the LéO Africa Institute. While the institute has previously hosted the LéO Africa Talks, a platform for thought-provoking discussions, the introduction of the Griots Fellowship elevates this initiative by creating a dedicated cohort of leaders tasked with shaping Africa’s narrative. Named after the revered West African griots—traditional storytellers, historians, and advisors to kings—the fellowship draws inspiration from this rich cultural tradition to address contemporary challenges.
In West African societies, griots were more than entertainers; they were custodians of history, mediators of conflict, and advisors to leaders. Their role in preserving oral traditions and fostering community cohesion remains profoundly relevant today. The Griots Fellows embody this legacy, using storytelling, presentations, and dialogue to share ideas that can transform Africa’s social, political, and economic landscape. In an increasingly globalized and digital world, these fellows will serve as modern custodians of African knowledge, amplifying homegrown solutions and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Reclaiming Africa’s Narrative: A Call to Action
At the heart of the Griots Fellowship is a commitment to reclaiming Africa’s narrative, a mission that is both urgent and transformative. For centuries, external forces—colonial powers, global media, and neocolonial influences—have shaped perceptions of Africa through lenses of poverty, conflict, and dependency. These narratives have often sidelined the continent’s rich cultural heritage, innovative economic systems, and dynamic political movements, perpetuating stereotypes that fail to capture Africa’s diverse realities.
The Griots Fellows will challenge these distortions by highlighting indigenous knowledge, celebrating resilience, and showcasing African-led solutions. Through their professional and social enterprises, they will tell stories of innovation, community empowerment, and cultural pride. This reclamation is not merely about correcting misrepresentations; it is about empowering African communities to define their identities, challenge external influences, and shape global perceptions on their own terms. By doing so, the fellows will foster a sense of agency and pride, ensuring that Africa’s future is narrated by its own people.
A Diverse Cohort of Changemakers
The 2025 Griots Fellows represent a vibrant cross-section of African society, bringing together public servants, civil society activists, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives, among others. This diversity is a strength, enabling the cohort to tackle complex challenges from multiple perspectives. Whether they are driving policy reforms, launching innovative startups, or using art to spark dialogue, these fellows share a common goal: to create a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.
By fostering intergenerational and cross-sectoral collaboration, the fellowship creates a dynamic network of thought leaders who can learn from one another and amplify their impact. This network will serve as a catalyst for innovative ideas, ensuring that the fellows’ contributions resonate far beyond their individual fields.
Goals of the Griots Fellowship
The Griots Fellowship is guided by four core objectives; each designed to empower fellows and advance the institute’s mission:
- Cultivating Values-Driven Leadership: Through mentorship, reflective dialogue, and immersive learning experiences, the fellowship will nurture ethical, visionary, and community-minded leaders. By emphasizing integrity and accountability, we aim to equip fellows with the tools to lead with purpose and impact.
- Amplifying African Changemakers: The fellowship provides a platform for fellows to share their aspirations, showcase their contributions, and inspire others. By amplifying their voices, we aim to elevate African solutions to global challenges.
- Fostering a Dynamic Network of Thought Leaders: The fellowship creates opportunities for collaboration across generations and sectors, building a community of leaders who can drive systemic change. This network will serve as a hub for innovation and knowledge-sharing.
- Renewing Oral Traditions Through Digital Innovation: Drawing on Africa’s rich storytelling traditions, the fellowship will document and share African stories using digital platforms. By blending tradition with technology, the fellows will ensure that Africa’s narratives resonate globally.
Looking Ahead: A Journey of Transformation
Having welcomed the 2025 Griots Fellows on June 14, we are filled with anticipation and optimism. This inaugural cohort represents a new generation of African leaders—storytellers, innovators, and changemakers—who are ready to redefine the continent’s place in the world. Together, we will embark on a journey of learning, collaboration, and impact, guided by a shared vision of a thriving, self-determined Africa.
The LéO Africa Institute is honoured to walk alongside these remarkable individuals as they weave their stories into the fabric of our continent’s future. Through their voices, ideas, and actions, the Griots Fellows will not only reclaim Africa’s narrative but also inspire a global audience to see the continent through a lens of possibility, resilience, and pride.
