In February 2026, the Young African Leaders Summit, an initiative of Young Global Leaders Network proudly recognised MacDonald Maduabuchi of Nigeria as our YALS Young Leader of the Month. MacDonald, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and public health advocate, earned this recognition following his outstanding achievement in the UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition 2025,

The Young African Leaders Summit (YALS) is a flagship three-day event by The Young Global Leaders Network (YGLN), uniting Africa’s emerging youth leaders to inspire leadership, innovation, and collaboration. It offers a vibrant platform for idea exchange, mentorship, and action on key continental challenges. YALS features keynote speeches, panels, focus groups, and the African Youth General Assembly (AU Model), empowering youth to influence policy and drive change. Delegates also present papers on leadership, governance, and development, fostering knowledge-sharing and critical dialogue. Highlights include YoungTalks (a TEDx-style segment), a start-up pitch session for young entrepreneurs, and an awards ceremony honouring youth excellence. With its strong focus on partnership and impact, YALS is shaping the next generation of African leadership