“Every nation has young people and investing in the young people is investing in the future.” These were the words of the President and Founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in a special address at the Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) 2023. This ceremony is part of the annual New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris, where Pastor Chris announced that 2024 will be the ‘Year of Redemption‘. Inspired by the need for change and an unwavering determination to overcome challenges, Africa’s youth are making significant strides in various fields. Young people are emerging as powerful catalysts for change, innovation, leadership, and shaping the continent’s future. ntroducing the latest trailblazer: Mariama Gendemeh Mariama Gendemeh Emerges Star Prize Winner of FALA 2023. 23-year-old Mariam Gendemeh from Sierra Leone shines out among 10 exceptional young African leaders to win the Star Prize Award of the Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) 2023. Mariama is a farmer and philanthropist. She is the Executive Director of Fresh Veggies Agro Company Limited which has created jobs for 15 people. The company has generated $1200 of which 40% of this has gone into feeding programs for the community. Mariama has facilitated the distribution of food and relief items to over 3000 people across 10 communities. She started a project called “Save the Malnourished Kids” which reaches over 10,000 children annually. The Orange Fresh Sweet Potatoes initiative of Mariama has had a positive impact on 12 women’s groups in six communities, where they have all benefited from this initiative and sustaining school feeding programs. Mariama’s company has a 50-hectare rice farm and is the largest vegetable farm in her area of Kenena. In 2022 and 2023 her rice cultivation recorded a harvest of 850 tons, and she impacted over 1300 members of her community with her Food Systems Resilience Program. Mariama has been responsible for spearheading several outreaches in over 110 communities by providing soap, essential sanitation materials, and education on protective measures. She organized the “She Leads Summit” which provided leadership skills in six schools and empowered over 500 girls. Mariama Gendemeh has proved to be a worthy winner of the FALA Star Prize 2023 as she and other female leaders have championed a 30% inclusivity of women in governance through advocacy, resulting in key appointments and wins during the 2023 general elections. The pride of the nation The Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF) is proud to present Mariam Gendemeh as the Star Winner as she has been a major catalyst for change, as she transforms the concept of leadership and exemplifies the remarkable potential of the African youth. The event was attended by many important guests who encouraged and praised the youth of Africa. Special Guest, Her Excellency, Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, former President, Republic of Malawi gave an inspiring speech at the Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) 2023. Another guest speaker, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker, of the National Legislative Assembly, Republic of South Sudan also spoke at the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. There was another inspiring address by the Chairman of the Future Africa Leaders Award, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), former President of Nigeria who spoke to the audience at the prestigious award ceremony. Hearty congratulations Mariama for this well-deserved win. .