6 African Youth Activists You Need to Know

Giving Compass' Take:

• The author provides information about six influential African youth activists that are fighting injustices and stigmas that directly affect young people living in Africa. 

• Many of these activists utilize social media to spread awareness about the issues they are speaking about. How does social media help catalyze change? And how does it benefit Africans who want to get their message to the rest of the world?

• Read about why it is important for funders to invest in youth power. 

Fresh off the announcement that Global Citizen is going to South Africa on December 2 for the Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100 , in proud partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, check out just a few young African activists changing the world — and be inspired to take action yourself.

1.  Zulaikha Patel, 15, South Africa Two years ago, at the age of 13, Indian-South African activist Zulaikha Patel made local headlines when a video went viral of her protesting her high school’s policy against natural hair.
2. Angeline Makore, 21, Zimbabwe Makore is a young leader from Zimbabwe, campaigning for health and the well-being of women and girls in her country.
3. Kelvin Doe, 21, Sierra Leone By the time he was 15 years old, Doe became the youngest-ever “visiting practitioner” with the MIT International Development Initiative, where he had the chance to present his inventions to MIT students and take part in research.
4. Elizabeth Williams, 21, Nigeria Elizabeth Williams is a sexual health and rights advocate from Nigeria, educating young girls about gender equality. She also does work with young boys — as she understands the importance of ensuring that everyone is aware of the rights they have.
5. Imraan Christian, South Africa  Imraan Christian has taken his photography all over the world — but in South Africa, he’s best known for his activism.
6. Sanele Junior Xaba, 23, South Africa When Sanele Junior Xaba was growing up with albinism in Durban, just after South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, he was bullied by the other children. Now he has modeled for Adidas and GQ — and campaigns for the rights of others struggling with the stigma that still surrounds albinism in Africa.