Celebrating 25 Years of African Development: New York Gala Highlights Education, Technology, and Leadership Initiatives
“Over 25 years, the organization has placed hundreds of young leaders in impactful roles across 37 African nations.”
As we gather in the vibrant heart of New York City, we are thrilled to announce a momentous occasion that marks a quarter-century of unwavering commitment to African development. Princeton in Africa’s 25th Anniversary Gala, set to take place on Wednesday, April 23rd at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental, is not just a celebration—it’s a testament to the power of education, technology, and leadership in shaping the future of the African continent.
For 25 years, we have stood at the forefront of connecting visionary individuals with Africa’s most impactful organizations, driving change across various sectors including education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, technology, agriculture, and development. Our mission has always been clear: to nurture and develop young leaders dedicated to Africa’s advancement.
A Legacy of Impact: Princeton in Africa’s Journey
As the premier and longest-standing provider of post-graduate fellowships on the continent, Princeton in Africa has left an indelible mark on the landscape of African development. Our Executive Director, Damilola Akinyele Wolfgarten, eloquently summarizes the significance of this milestone:
“This event will serve as a tremendous opportunity to honor and celebrate 25 years of commitment, service, leadership, collaboration, and impact across the African continent. We are thrilled by this year’s honorees and look forward to acknowledging their accomplishments in their respective fields.”
Over the past quarter-century, we have placed an impressive 750 Fellows with 130 organizations across 37 countries in Africa. This extensive network of alumni and host organization partners forms the backbone of our impact, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the continent.
Honoring Excellence in African Affairs
The gala will shine a spotlight on two outstanding honorees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of African affairs:
- Meg Whitman – Former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya
- Gbenga Oyebode – Co-founder of the prestigious African law firm, Aluko & Oyebode
These individuals embody the spirit of leadership and dedication that Princeton in Africa seeks to foster. Their contributions to African development initiatives have been instrumental in shaping policy, promoting economic growth, and advancing social progress across the continent.
Spotlight on Education in Africa
Education remains at the heart of African development, and our gala will emphasize the critical role it plays in shaping the continent’s future. We are honored to have Mary Maker, South Sudanese Refugee Education Activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, as the Master of Ceremonies for this event. Her presence underscores our commitment to refugee education and highlights the transformative power of learning in even the most challenging circumstances.
As we celebrate our achievements in education, we also recognize the role of technology in advancing learning opportunities across Africa. Innovative platforms like Farmonaut are revolutionizing agricultural education and practices, demonstrating how tech-driven solutions can empower communities and drive sustainable development.
Healthcare Advancements in Africa
Our commitment to African development extends beyond education to crucial sectors like healthcare. Over the past 25 years, we have witnessed and contributed to significant advancements in healthcare across the continent. From improving access to medical services in remote areas to supporting research initiatives on tropical diseases, our fellows and partner organizations have been at the forefront of enhancing health outcomes for millions of Africans.
“The gala celebrates a quarter-century of impact, highlighting education, healthcare, and technology growth initiatives in African countries.”
Technology Growth in African Countries
The rapid pace of technological advancement in Africa has been a game-changer for development initiatives. We’ve seen firsthand how technology can leapfrog traditional development stages, bringing innovative solutions to age-old challenges. From mobile banking revolutionizing financial inclusion to satellite-based farm management systems enhancing agricultural productivity, technology is reshaping the African landscape.
Speaking of agricultural technology, platforms like Farmonaut’s API are enabling developers and businesses to integrate cutting-edge satellite and weather data into their systems, fostering innovation in the agritech sector. This kind of technology growth is precisely what we aim to support and accelerate through our programs.
Humanitarian Assistance Programs in Africa
Our work in humanitarian assistance has been crucial in addressing urgent needs across the continent. From refugee support to disaster relief, Princeton in Africa fellows have been on the ground, making a difference where it matters most. The gala will highlight some of our most impactful humanitarian projects, showcasing the resilience and strength of African communities in the face of adversity.
Leadership Development in Africa
At the core of our mission is the belief that strong, visionary leadership is key to Africa’s future. Our fellowship program has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of African leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive positive change. The gala will feature success stories from our alumni, demonstrating how leadership development translates into tangible impact across various sectors.
For those interested in joining our mission, we offer various ways to engage, including our fellowship programs and partnerships. You can explore opportunities through our Android app or iOS app, making it easier than ever to connect with our initiatives.
African Affairs and Policy
Our work extends beyond grassroots initiatives to influence policy and governance at higher levels. Through our network of fellows and partners, we’ve contributed to shaping African affairs and policy, promoting good governance, and fostering international cooperation. The gala will feature discussions on current policy challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of young leaders in driving policy innovation across the continent.
Fellowships for African Development
The heart of our organization lies in our fellowship program. Open to recent graduates from any U.S. or African-based college or university, including citizens of any African country, our fellowships offer unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. These year-long placements connect talented individuals with organizations at the forefront of African development, creating a win-win situation for fellows and host organizations alike.
Post-graduate Opportunities in Africa
Beyond our fellowship program, we’re committed to expanding post-graduate opportunities across Africa. We believe that by providing meaningful, impactful experiences for young professionals, we can create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the continent. The gala will showcase some of the innovative post-graduate programs we’re developing, aimed at addressing critical skills gaps and fostering entrepreneurship in key sectors.
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Timeline of Achievements
| Year | Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Princeton in Africa founded | Established the foundation for future impact across the continent |
| 2004 | Expanded to 10 African countries | Broadened reach and diversified impact across different regions |
| 2009 | Launched refugee education initiative | Provided educational opportunities to an estimated 5,000 refugee students |
| 2014 | Introduced technology-focused fellowships | Contributed to tech innovation and digital literacy in 15 African nations |
| 2019 | Reached 500th fellow placement | Milestone in developing young leaders across 30 African countries |
| 2024 | 25th Anniversary – 750 Fellows placed | Impactful roles across 37 African nations, shaping various sectors |
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking forward. The gala will serve as a launchpad for our ambitious plans to expand our programming, responding to the growing demand from young leaders and host organizations eager to engage with our initiatives. We envision a future where our impact reaches every corner of the African continent, fostering innovation, sustainability, and prosperity.
Join Us in Celebrating and Supporting African Development
The 25th Anniversary Gala is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of Africa. We invite you to join us in this momentous occasion, whether by attending the gala, supporting our programs, or exploring fellowship opportunities.
Sponsorships and tickets to the event can be purchased at: https://us.givergy.com/Princeton-in-Africa-25th-Anniversary, or by emailing [email protected].
For those interested in learning more about our organization and its impact, please visit www.princetoninafrica.org.
FAQs
- Who is eligible for Princeton in Africa fellowships?
Recent graduates from any U.S. or African-based college or university, including citizens of any African country. - How long are the fellowships?
Fellowships typically last for one year. - In how many countries does Princeton in Africa operate?
We have placed fellows in 37 African countries. - How can I support Princeton in Africa’s mission?
You can support us by attending our gala, donating, or exploring partnership opportunities. - What types of organizations do fellows work with?
Fellows work with a diverse range of organizations focused on education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, technology, agriculture, and development.
Conclusion
As we celebrate 25 years of Princeton in Africa, we’re filled with gratitude for the countless individuals, organizations, and communities that have made our work possible. This gala is not just a celebration of past achievements but a rallying call for the future of African development. Together, we can continue to nurture visionary leaders, drive innovation, and create lasting impact across the African continent.
Join us in New York as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to an even brighter future for Africa. Here’s to 25 years of impact—and to many more to come!
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Tim Cummings, Development Director
609.258.7215 or [email protected]
