The United States Government supports its 19th cohort of Young African Leaders

The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), closed out the 19th cohort of the Young African Leaders Initiative program at CESAG. The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States’ signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders from diverse backgrounds across Sub-Saharan Africa as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. Awarded in 2015 to CESAG and its partners, the West African Research Center (WARC) and the Synapse Center, the program is implemented in 25 francophone and Lusophone African countries. Participants receive training in Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management.

The closeout of the 19th YALI cohort celebrated 91 participants, including 41 women who completed the hybrid training consisting of 2 weeks online and 3 weeks of in-person training. They were awarded certificates that officially granted them the prestigious status of YALI alumni.

L-R: Dr. Bara Ndiaye, director of YALI RLC Dakar, Ms. Nene Fatoumata Tall, Minister of Youth, a representative of CESAG Director General, and Ms. Ying Hsu, acting USAID Mission Director surrounded by YALI graduates

Karen Breejen, USAID

Mr. Balibie Serge Auguste Bayala, Director General of CESAG and  USAID’s Acting Mission Director Ying Hsu, presided over the ceremony. Also in attendance were representatives from the Government of Senegal and officials from participating countries' embassies, CESAG’s partners, and YALI alumni.  The event showcased USAID’s unwavering commitment to support the rise of a generation of new leaders working towards a dynamic and self-reliant Africa.

About USAID

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) promotes and demonstrates American values of democracy and its vision of a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. Together with our Senegalese partners, USAID/Senegal provides assistance that saves lives, expands economic growth, provides education opportunities, strengthens governance and civil society, and supports Senegal’s national development plan, the Plan Sénégal Emergent.