The Youth in Development (YID) Fellowship is a transformative program dedicated to identifying and empowering young social entrepreneurs globally. Its mission is to equip emerging leaders with the essential knowledge, skills, resources, and networks needed to spearhead impactful social change initiatives. The YID Fellowship inspires and validates the crucial work of young changemakers worldwide.
This year, we are incredibly excited to introduce the 2025 cohort of YID Fellows, proudly represented by 31 fellows from 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and North America. They were selected from an impressive pool of 1,200 applicants, making this the most competitive cohort to date and underscoring a truly global commitment to social development. Their innovative work spans across seven key development sectors.
Meet the 2025 YID Fellows
Health & Wellbeing
Founder and Lead Scientist at xLAB Diagnostics Africa, Lucy advances sexual health equity by offering Kenya’s first home-based STI testing kits with telehealth support.
Founder and CEO of Doctors Explain Digital Health Co., Levi pioneers digital healthcare solutions and education, expanding access across underserved regions in Africa.
Lead at Street to School Initiative, Oluwademilade builds youth capacity through education access, leadership training, and partnerships supporting marginalized communities.
Founder of the Agro-Tourism and Food Security Initiative, Elizabeth tackles food insecurity by integrating education, agro-innovation, and climate-resilient practices.
Mental health advocate and trauma resilience educator, Jin supports displaced communities through peer-led emotional support programs and cross-cultural healing tools.
Co-Founder of the Naloxone Education Initiative, Suhanee expands opioid overdose prevention through school-based training and public health advocacy.
Founder of HopeCycle Solutions, Micheal improves eye health access in rural Zambia by delivering screening, awareness, and surgical referral services.
Founder and Programs Director at Four18 Humanitarian Initiative, Evelyn provides menstrual hygiene support, education, and empowerment programs for underprivileged girls.
Education & Youth Development
Founder of Divine Stead Foundation, Grace reduces education inequality by offering mentorship, scholarships, and skills development for children in slum communities.
Director of Youth Spark Initiative, Umar-Faruq engages youth in civic leadership and entrepreneurship through mentorship, community development, and workforce readiness.
Founder and CEO of Peddle Innovation Labs, Joseph advances education in crisis-affected communities using solar-powered classrooms and AI-driven learning platforms.
Founder of G-Quiz and STEM Africa Fest, Baba promotes science and education access for rural students by hosting nationwide competitions and innovation showcases.
Agriculture & Food Sustainability
Founder and CEO of MorePlex Company Limited, Prince converts cocoa waste into eco-friendly products, promoting sustainability and women’s employment.
Founder of Agrobiashara and Nawiri Agricultural Programme, Simon trains youth and women in climate-smart farming and entrepreneurship across multiple Kenyan counties.
Co-Founder and CEO of Elzian Agro, Lilan is a globally recognized social-tech entrepreneur driving agricultural sustainability and rural innovation.
Founder of Skyverse Solutions, Scolla leads agri-tech innovation and youth empowerment in rural areas, advancing gender equality and climate resilience.
CEO of Eco Hope Co. Ltd, Ronald transforms organic waste into livestock feed and climate-smart solutions to enhance food security and circular farming.
Founder of WAF Uganda, Flavia addresses food insecurity and women’s economic empowerment through community farming, nutrition training, and savings groups.
Founder of Anock Pvt Ltd, Anorld leads a green enterprise transforming organic waste into agricultural inputs, empowering farmers and promoting sustainable food systems.
Technology for Social Impact
Founder and Executive Director of Sauti Salama, Malkia builds survivor-centered platforms addressing gender-based violence and promotes energy justice in marginalized areas.
Policy and legal expert at Microsoft, Veronica advances digital rights, AI ethics, and cybersecurity regulation with a focus on inclusion and gender equity.
Co-Founder and CPO of SheltHer, Sarah enhances women’s safety through a mobile app offering real-time tools and support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Co-Founder of BayDream Limited, Ka Hei develops accessible technologies like AI-powered devices that enable people with physical disabilities to live independently.
Founder of The Reconnect, Thapelo fosters youth leadership through storytelling, civic education, and digital platforms that amplify young voices.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Founder of MAMO Financial Empowerment, Emmanuel builds financial literacy and access in rural communities through mobile tools and savings cooperatives.
Founder of VEST Hub Africa, Johnpaul supports African entrepreneurs through funding access, capacity-building, and mentorship, with a focus on agribusiness.
Director at Ernst & Young Philippines, Laurence leads sustainability and climate justice initiatives, cultivating green leadership and systems change.
Infrastructure & Environment for Social Impact
Co-Founder and CMO of Dosy, Nouran empowers women through mobility training and job creation, offering scooter skills and ride-hailing services across Egypt.
Founder of Energy4Empowerment, Prashant delivers clean energy and green jobs in rural India through innovation, advocacy, and youth-led infrastructure projects.
Founder of the Strong Woman Foundation, Charity supports single mothers through psychosocial counseling, economic empowerment, and advocacy for women’s rights.
Founder of Eco Diversified International, Victor champions waste management and environmental education through youth-led recycling initiatives in flood-prone areas.
The Enduring Impact of the YID Fellowship
Participating in the YID Fellowship offers an unparalleled journey of personal and professional growth. Our fellows gain invaluable access to:
- Comprehensive Training: Access to a tried and tested entrepreneurship curriculum that has benefited over 6000 changemakers globally.
- Expert Mentorship: Thoughtfully designed sessions featuring global experts to help fellows hone their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
- A Global Network: A vibrant, collaborative community of like-minded peers, mentors, and partners from around the world, fostering connections that transcend borders.
This program significantly enhances fellows’ ability to launch and sustain impactful social initiatives, cultivating a powerful spirit of collaboration that drives meaningful change. This impact is rooted in our carefully selective application process. Beyond traditional accomplishments, we intentionally identify individuals whose innovative ideas and current stage of growth align with the support our fellowship provides. It’s about activating those we believe will leverage our content and design to reach new heights and amplify their social change initiatives.
Join the Movement for Social Change
Inspired by the dedication and innovative spirit of our 2025 YID Fellows? Do you share a deep passion for social change and aspire to make a tangible impact in the world?
While applications for our next YID cohort don’t open until the end of 2025, we have a variety of courses available for you right now that will teach you everything about social entrepreneurship and how to get started on your own journey.
Stay connected and follow us on social media for more inspiring updates, stories, and insights from this year’s remarkable YID cohort:
LinkedIn: Impact Toolbox
Instagram: @impacttoolbox
Share a deep passion for social change?
Related Posts
Announcing 2022 YID Fellows
Posted on
Venture Spotlight -U-recycle Initiative
Posted on
