CoELIB is proud to be a sub-awardee of the $80 million USAID-funded YALI Legacy Localization program, led by Arizona State University. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to strengthen and unify the leadership development efforts of YALI stakeholders under a new pan-African entity — YALI Africa.

Arizona State University is leading this transformative USAID award which funds YALI Africa, the next phase of a signature U.S. investment in Africa's youth. Funded by the American people through USAID, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Legacy Localization seeks to unite the work of multiple YALI stakeholders. The project aims to establish a pan-sub-Saharan African entity named YALI Africa to develop the next generation of African leaders through the harmonization and strengthening of a comprehensive leadership training program in 49 countries in Africa.

$80M USAID Investment
49 African Countries
26,000+ Leaders Graduated

A Legacy of Leadership Development

YALI was conceived by the United States Government (USG) in 2010 to address the challenges faced by one of the biggest youth populations on earth. Later, in 2015, the continent-based YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) model launched with centers in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa. These centers cultivate and support a professional network of uniquely trained, highly qualified leaders across three pivotal tracks: Civic Leadership, Public Management, and Business and Entrepreneurship.

The four Regional Leadership Centers have successfully graduated more than 26,000 leaders who are actively driving positive change within their communities across Africa.

Impact Across Africa

26,000+

Graduates driving positive change

4

Regional Leadership Centers

3

Leadership Tracks

49

Countries Reached

YALI Africa: The Next Chapter

In 2023, USAID enlisted Arizona State University to help launch YALI Africa. Along with its sub-awardees—CoELIB, FHI 360, the African Diaspora Network, and Geeks Without Frontiers—the project aims to build capacity and harmonize the efforts of the RLCs, enhance the curriculum and advance teaching methods, and build alumni opportunities, support, and connectivity.

In addition, YALI Africa will focus on increasing diversity among participants, expanding access to more women, rural young people and underrepresented populations. YALI Africa will provide the highest caliber leadership development services, producing alumni equipped not only to recognize, but to seize and actualize, the abundant opportunities present in Africa.

Key Objectives

  • Harmonize and enhance leadership training across 49 African countries
  • Strengthen curriculum and advance teaching methods
  • Build robust alumni support, opportunities, and connectivity
  • Promote inclusion of women, rural youth, and underserved populations
  • Develop leaders equipped to actualize opportunities in Africa

Leadership Tracks

Civic Leadership

Developing leaders who drive social change, advocate for community needs, and strengthen democratic institutions across Africa.

Public Management

Training professionals to enhance governance, public policy, and effective administration in government and civil service.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Empowering entrepreneurs and business leaders to create sustainable enterprises and drive economic growth.

Alumni Network

Building a powerful network of 26,000+ leaders creating opportunities and driving transformation across the continent.

As one of the key sub-awardees, CoELIB contributes its expertise in business incubation, leadership development, and youth empowerment. Our focus is on strengthening the capacities of RLCs and expanding access to transformative leadership programs across Africa.

CoELIB's Role

As a distinguished sub-awardee, CoELIB brings decades of experience in nurturing entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and developing leadership capacity across Africa. Our involvement in YALI Legacy Localization leverages our proven track record in:

  • Business Incubation – Supporting entrepreneurs to transform ideas into viable, scalable enterprises
  • Leadership Development – Building transformative leaders who drive sustainable change
  • Youth Empowerment – Creating pathways for young Africans to realize their potential
  • Research Commercialization – Bridging the gap between research and market-ready solutions
  • Strategic Communication – Amplifying impact through effective storytelling and advocacy

A Vision for Africa's Future

The YALI Legacy Localization program represents more than just leadership training—it's an investment in Africa's future. By harmonizing efforts across 49 countries, strengthening curricula, and expanding access to underrepresented groups, YALI Africa is creating a unified movement of empowered leaders ready to tackle the continent's most pressing challenges and seize its abundant opportunities.

Through this initiative, thousands of young Africans will gain the skills, networks, and support needed to become transformative leaders in their communities, countries, and across the continent. The legacy of YALI will be measured not just in numbers, but in the tangible positive change these leaders create across Africa.