Building African leaders who own their narratives
Building Africa's next generation of leaders
About Us
Africa Matters Initiative (AMI) exists to upskill and empower Africa's Youth to create the world they want for themselves, their communities, and the continent. We are building African leaders and empowering them to change their communities and own their narratives.
One of our core beliefs is that 'We are the ones we've been waiting for.' It serves as a reminder that young Africans have the power and capacity to take hold of their futures, and inspire a ripple effect to the rest of the continent.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
- 27,000+
- YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED
- 23
- COUNTRIES REACHED
- 150+
- WORKSHOPS HELD
- 6,000+
- WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
- 2015
- FOUNDED
Our Story
The Africa Matters Initiative began in South Africa in April 2015 by Farai Mubaiwa & Reanne Olivier with the aim of empowering and upskilling African youth to change their communities & the African narrative through leadership, social entrepreneurship and advocacy.
Our original 2015 video opens on 8 January 2015, when 2,000 people were killed in Baga, Nigeria, and world leaders did not march with Africans. Its call to young Africans: take pride in being African, hold our governments accountable, and refuse to be excluded from the global community.
WATCH: OUR ORIGINAL VIDEO
The people behind the programmes
Founded by Farai Mubaiwa and Reanne Olivier.
Reanne Olivier
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Rita Stryker-Borti
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
La'eeqa Martin
AMAP PROGRAMME LEAD
Based in South Africa. Joined AMI to align herself with African-centred work and values.
Melissa Sithole
GRANT WRITER
Based in South Africa. Joined AMI to be a pillar of support and a resource for African youth.
Tanaka Manere
YLDP PROGRAMME ASSISTANT
From Zimbabwe. Joined AMI because its mission aligned with his goals and purpose.
Eluid Luutsa
SLDP PROGRAMME LEAD
Global Board of Directors
Oyetola Oduyemi
BOARD CHAIR
Dr Rekgotsofetse Chikane
VICE CHAIR
Danai Nyagani
BOARD SECRETARY
Gemma Thompson
BOARD MEMBER
Natasha Budhram
BOARD MEMBER
What our leaders say
Transcribed from testimonials our programme leaders shared with us.
“It has been an exceptional learning curve for me. Africa Matters Initiative has helped me to understand that I represent a continent, I am part of Africa and for me, this has been an eye-opener. It has given me the opportunity to learn, grow and understand people beyond my circle.”
“AMI knows the struggle we face as African women and they try to equip us with the leadership skills we need to make it and better our communities and Africa. Being a ShE leader was one of the greatest moments of my life. I learnt a lot, met amazing and wonderful women, built a great network but most of all I emerged a leader.”
“My overall experience was amazing, blessed to have been chosen and have been able to complete the program. Grateful for the opportunity and we can say it was an awakening experience for me, as now I know how and where to start developing my life and community.”
“Climate change, if unchecked, is an urgent threat to health, food supplies, biodiversity, and livelihoods across the globe.”
RECOGNITION
GlobalGiving Top-Ranked Organization, 2023
Awarded to Africa Matters Initiative through GlobalGiving in 2023.
Five programmes, one belief
Leadership, social entrepreneurship and advocacy for young Africans from age 11 to 35.
