Africa holds the largest and fastest growing youth population in the world. Sentebale and LEBEC brought together innovative funders, business leaders, and corporations in Johannesburg to meet this moment and discuss ways to accelerate prosperity for youth and communities on the continent. 

Key discussions focused on how innovative partnerships and sustainable investments can empower young people across the region, equipping them with tools, opportunities, and support to build brighter futures. Participants shared best practices and identified pathways to scale impactful solutions through cross-sector collaboration.

The convening marked an important step in Sentebale’s mission to create meaningful change for youth, underpinned by a commitment to fostering local leadership and resilient communities.

Panelists included Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex; Hector Mujica, Head of Americas Philanthropy, Google.org; Alix Lebec, Founder & CEO, LEBEC, and Stacey Boyd, Founder and CEO, Olivela. The panel was moderated by Sentebale’s Board Chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, who was born and raised in the region herself, and with a keynote address by George Sibotshiwe, a notable political strategist in Southern Africa.

This gathering built on the momentum created in Miami in April 2024 with “Potential is Waiting,” an intimate discussion and dinner convened by LEBEC with Sentebale to discuss the importance and opportunities of catalytic giving and partnerships for youth opportunity (see coverage in People Magazine and Marie Claire). 

See a press release covering the Johannesburg gathering here.