We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of LéO Africa Talks: Conversations Worth Having – a platform where great minds explore transformative ideas for Africa and beyond.
Modelled after the renowned TED Talks format, LéO Africa Talks will provide 15 emerging leaders with a platform to share profound insights from their leadership journeys, offering lessons that can help create societies reflecting our vision for current and future generations of Africans.
Reclaiming Africa's Narrative
Since its inception, the LéO Africa Institute has promoted authentic African discourse on subjects where historical narratives about Africa have been misrepresented. Our earlier attempt to introduce LéO Africa Talks began at the LéO Africa Economic Forum in 2015, which later evolved into our Annual Leaders Gathering – our signature convening platform for key leaders to address continental challenges.
In today's digital age, the competition for shaping narratives and identity presents significant challenges for Africa and its predominantly young population. Despite this competition, African voices on African issues have not yet resonated as clearly and uncompromisingly as they should in global discourse on society, culture, and politics. This reality both challenges and inspires us to stimulate the imagination of Africans regarding development and inspire dignity in self-representation.
The Griots: Contemporary Storytellers
Borrowing from West African storytelling traditions, we have named the fellows who will speak at the annual LéO Africa Talks conference "The Griots." In West African culture, griots were respected traditional storytellers and historians who advised kings and mediated conflicts – a role that remains deeply relevant to contemporary discourse on Africa's political and economic landscape.
Through storytelling, presentations, and conversations on political, social, and economic themes, these Griots will facilitate the sharing of ideas and knowledge that can transform society for the better. In our increasingly globalized, digital world, they will serve as custodians and conveyors of ideas vital to the future of African societies.
The Griots Fellowship
The Griots Fellowship will comprise 20 high-potential individuals from diverse sectors:
- Public service
- Civil society
- Entrepreneurship
- Creative Industries
Fellows will benefit from the Institute's signature seminars and interact with our distinguished faculty to develop values-based leadership skills and enhance their storytelling abilities.
Fellowship Goals
- Cultivate values-driven leadership – ethical, visionary, and community-minded – through mentorship and reflective dialogue
- Amplify African changemakers, offering them a platform to highlight their aspirations and contributions
- Create a dynamic network of thought leaders, fostering intergenerational and cross-sectoral collaboration
- Document and renew oral traditions, allowing Africa's stories to resonate globally through digital innovation
Through the Griots Fellowship, we aim to develop a growing archive of powerful videos – a treasure for generations of African scholars and leaders. We will create connections between industry experts and emerging leaders, providing valuable mentorship opportunities. Ultimately, we envision a renaissance of enthusiasm for Africa's narrative tradition, blending traditional Griot artistry with 21st-century media.
In an era where leadership is increasingly about who controls the narrative, LéO Africa Talks offers Africa's youth a chance to reclaim their space. This platform not only supports personal growth but places Fellows' narratives within the broader context of continental development.
Join the Movement
Are you a passionate emerging leader committed to doing well and doing good? Whether you're in public service, social justice activism, entrepreneurship, or creative industries, we want to hear your story. Share how you contribute knowledge that inspires good governance, ethical leadership, social justice, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Visit the LéO Africa Institute website https://leoafricainstitute.org/events/leo-talks/ for updates and how you can be part of these conversations worth having.
