2025 All-country Conference
Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent
June 16-20, 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya
CorpsAfrica proudly hosted its flagship 2025 All‑Country Conference (ACC 2025) in Nairobi from June 16 to June 20. Under the theme “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent,” the five‑day summit brought together more than 1,200 participants, Volunteers, alumni, staff, policymakers, philanthropists, and development partners from across CorpsAfrica’s 11 country operations.
Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent emphasized the critical role young Africans played in creating solutions to local challenges and propelling progress towards the SDGs. CorpsAfrica youth took center stage at the 2025 All-Country Conference to share stories of innovation, impact, and resilience, and learned from experts across the Continent.
The All-Country Conference equipped participants with a deeper understanding of innovative development methodologies and their impact on rural communities. The agenda included internal working sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; a Conference with engaging keynote speakers and innovative panel discussions on Wednesday; and an Opportunity Fair on Thursday, where youth engaged with their next professional steps through panel discussions, workshops, a career fair, and individual support. The highlight of the event was the vibrant Culture Night reception celebrating the cultures of CorpsAfrica through music, food, and dancing.
Top ACC 2025 Stories
Schedule
Monday, June 16 - Tuesday, June 17 - Internal Sessions
9:00am-5:00pm - Working Sessions for Internal Participants Only
Wednesday, June 18 - Conference
9:00am-10:15am - Welcome and Volunteer Stories
10:15am-10:30am -Keynote Speech-Invited Guest of Honor from the Kenyan Government
10:30am-11:00am - Coffee/Tea Break
11:00am-12:00pm - Panel: Youth and Communities in the Driver's Seat: Human-Centered and Community-Led Design for Impact
Join community representatives, seasoned community development experts, and CorpsAfrica Volunteers as they share invaluable insights into best practices, challenges, and lessons learned. This dynamic panel discussion puts youth and communities firmly in the driver’s seat when designing and implementing impactful projects. Dive into the practical application of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) approaches, discovering how these methodologies put local voices at the forefront and ensure projects genuinely address community needs.
Speakers
John Munyiru – Director, Media Council, Community Engagement, Government of Kenya
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana – 1st Governor of Makueni County and former Minister in Kenya.
Rachel Ishimwe – Alumni Support Officer and CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Group 4 Alumna, CorpsAfrica
Wabi Ng’ang’a – Founder & CEO, Soma Siri (Mastercard Foundation and ILO fellow)
Moderator: Michael Muiya, Training Manager, CorpsAfrica/Kenya
Join community representatives, seasoned community development experts, and CorpsAfrica Volunteers as they share invaluable insights into best practices, challenges, and lessons learned. This dynamic panel discussion puts youth and communities firmly in the driver’s seat when designing and implementing impactful projects. Dive into the practical application of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) approaches, discovering how these methodologies put local voices at the forefront and ensure projects genuinely address community needs.
Speakers
John Munyiru – Director, Media Council, Community Engagement, Government of Kenya
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana – 1st Governor of Makueni County and former Minister in Kenya.
Rachel Ishimwe – Alumni Support Officer and CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Group 4 Alumna, CorpsAfrica
Wabi Ng’ang’a – Founder & CEO, Soma Siri (Mastercard Foundation and ILO fellow)
Moderator: Michael Muiya, Training Manager, CorpsAfrica/Kenya
12:00pm-1:00pm - Panel: African Philanthropy: Owning Our Development, Driving Our Future
Amidst a shifting global landscape marked by reduced foreign development assistance and budget contractions from various international agencies, this crucial session pivots to the immense, yet often untapped, potential within African philanthropy. Join experts in international development as they analyze these recent trends and their profound implications for the continent’s future. The discussion will highlight the burgeoning opportunities for resource mobilization and sustainable development that exist at national and, crucially, at the community level. CorpsAfrica Volunteers and alumni will share firsthand experiences and practical strategies for localized philanthropy, showcasing how African communities are stepping forward to finance and shape their development, driving their future.
Speakers
Pauline Mbayah – Executive Director and Head of Stanbic Kenya Foundation
Justus Kangwagye – Board Member, CorpsAfrica/Rwanda
Omar Laafoura – President of CorpsAfrica/Maroc
Dawn Chemoiwa – CorpsAfrica/Kenya Alumna
Moderator: Nelly Rwagitare, Partnerships and Public Relations Manager, CorpsAfrica/Rwanda
1:00pm-2:30pm - Lunch
2:30pm-3:30pm - Panel: The Spirit of Ubuntu: Building the Africa We Want
Embracing the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – this inspiring session explores the profound role of Pan-Africanism in driving sustainable development across the continent. It highlights the collective power of youth-led initiatives and transformative cross-border collaboration as essential catalysts for progress. Leading Pan-Africanists, Exchange Volunteers, and alumni will share their invaluable experiences and forward-looking views on cultivating a vibrant pool of Pan-African youth leaders. Discover the pivotal role organizations like CorpsAfrica play in fostering this interconnected future and actively building the Africa we all envision.
Speakers
Hon. Patience Masua – Youngest Member of Parliament Namibia
Joshua Kweikuma Quaye – Youth Engagement Lead, African Union
Vicky Mulema – Executive Officer, Emerging Leaders Foundation
Victoria Ndebugri Wintonya – CorpsAfrica/Senegal Exchange Volunteer
Moderator: Nadia Abdalla – Director of African Communications, CorpsAfrica
3:30pm-4:00pm - Keynote and Closing Remarks
4:30pm-6:30pm - VIP Reception (Invitation Required)
Thursday, June 19 - Opportunity Fair
9:00am-9:15am - Welcome and Keynote Speech-Carol Spahn, 21st Director of Peace Corps
9:15am-10:15am - Panel: Preparing Youth for Tomorrow's Economy: CorpsAfrica's Model and Beyond
The world of work is rapidly changing, demanding more than just academic knowledge. This panel explores how we can prepare youth for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities by cultivating essential skills beyond traditional classroom settings. Experts from education, industry, and impactful service organizations will discuss how experiential learning, community engagement, and practical skill-building are crucial for developing adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and global awareness. Discover innovative strategies to equip the next generation with the resilience and resourcefulness needed to thrive in a dynamic global economy.
Speakers
Matthew Grollnek, Lead, Employability and the Future of Work, Mastercard Foundation
Caroline Njuki, Chief Technical Advisor, ILO Kenya
Martin Ayanda Ndlovu, Chief Growth Officer at Gebeya inc.
Moderator: Stella Kidera, CorpsAfrica/Kenya Group 3 Alumna
10:15am-11:15am - Panel: From Vision to Reality : Tips, Opportunities, and Insights for the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
The session will focus on sharing tips, opportunities, and inspiring journeys to help young people succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures — from idea development to fundraising, as well as understanding innovative sectors that shape the future of communities and market expansion.
Speakers
Aisha Shuaibu – President, SWA Sports
Mumbi Ndungu – Executive Director, Power Learn Project Africa
Augustina Akosua Asor Tufuor – Founder of Tropical Snacks, Ghana
Vika Shipalana, CEO VS Luxury Group
Moderator: Nelly Rwagitare, Partnerships and Public Relations Manager, CorpsAfrica/Rwanda
10:15am-12:15pm - Design Sprint #1 Dignified and Fulfilling Work Opportunities (Invitation Only)
11:30am-12:15pm - Workshop Sessions 1
Primary Workshop:The Journalist’s Pitch: Powering Stories with Purpose: Tracy McVeigh, Editor of the Guardian’s global development desk
Small Group Workshops:
Navigating the Digital Jobs Search: Linkedin and Online Jobs Platform
Interviewing with Confidence: Acing the Conversation
Productivity Tools with AI
Crafting Your Winning Resume & Cover Letter
Understanding the Modern Job Market: Trends & In-Demand Skills
Blueprint for Success: From Idea to Actionable Business Plan
Pathways to Higher Education: Exploring University & Vocational Training Options
Scholarship Search & Application Strategies
12:15pm-1:00pm - Workshop Sessions 2
Primary Workshop: Youth at the Forefront : Igniting Action and Climate Change Adaptation
Small Group Workshops:
Networking with Purpose : Building Your Professional Community and Social Impact
Interviewing with Confidence: Acing the Conversation
Crafting Your Winning Resume & Cover Letter
Personal Branding in the Professional World
Blueprint for Success: From Idea to Actionable Business Plan
Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Idea Validation and the Road to Profitability
Pathways to Higher Education: Exploring University & Vocational Training Options
Lifelong Learning: Upskilling & Reskilling for the Future
1:00pm-3:00pm - Design Sprint #2 Cultivating a Stronger CorpsAfrica Partner Ecosystem (Invitation Only)
2:00pm-2:45pm - Workshop Sessions 3
Primary Workshop: Career Mapping: Growing professionally
Small Group Workshops:
Navigating the Digital Jobs Search: Linkedin and Online Jobs Platform
Productivity Tools with AI
Crafting Your Winning Resume & Cover Letter
Understanding the Modern Job Market: Trends & In-Demand Skills
Blueprint for Success: From Idea to Actionable Business Plan
Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Idea Validation and the Road to Profitability
Scholarship Search & Application Strategies
3:30 - Closing Remarks - Dr. Samora Otieno, Chief Program Officer, CorpsAfrica
6:30pm-10:00pm - Ubuntu Gala Night
The culture night serves as the grand finale of the event, featuring music, dance, and culinary delights from various regions. This celebration provides a platform for participants to share their heritage, strengthen cross-cultural connections, and conclude the event with a spirit of unity and celebration. Informal networking opportunities will be available throughout the evening.
Please note: This event is by invitation only.
Friday, June 20 - Internal Session
9:00am-5:00pm - Working Sessions for Internal Participants Only
Speakers
John Munyiru
Director, Media Council, Community Engagement, Government of Kenya
Kivutha kibwana
1st Governor of Makueni County and former Minister in Kenya
Rachel Ishimwe
Alumni Support Officer and CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Group 4 Alumna, CorpsAfrica
wabi ng'ang'a
Founder & CEO, Soma Siri (Mastercard Foundation and ILO fellow)
omar laafoura
President of CorpsAfrica/Maroc
hon. patience MASUA
Youngest Member of Parliament, Namibia
victoria wintonya ndebugri
CorpsAfrica/Senegal Exchange Volunteer
Aisha Shuaibu
President, SWA Sports
mumbi ndungu
Executive Director, Power Learn Project Africa Editor of the Guardian
Augustina Akosua Asor Tufuor
Founder of Tropical Snacks, Ghana
Liz Fanning
Founder and Executive Director of CorpsAfrica
MK Richardson
Chief Development Officer CorpsAfrica
Vika shipalana
CEO of VS Luxury Group
SAMORA OTIENO
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER CORPSAFRICA
NADIA ABDALLA
DIRECTOR OF AFRICA COMMUNICATIONS CORPSAFRICA
Tracy McVeigh
EDITOR AT THE GUARDIAN'S GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT DESK
CAROL SPAHN
21st Director of the Peace Corps
Contact us
Attendance at the 2025 All-Country Conference is by invitation only. For more information contact [email protected].
For sponsorship or partnership opportunities or for corporations or businesses wishing to exhibit at the Opportunity Fair, please contact [email protected].
For media interested in receiving credentials to cover the event, please contact [email protected].