Florian Marembo, a beneficiary of the Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali) Regional Leadership Centres (Yali-RLC) programme at the University of South Africa (UNISA), emphasised that young people must diversify beyond their attained qualifications.

“I learned the importance of diversifying avenues to success beyond academic qualifications,” he stated. 

He said alternatives such as entrepreneurship and leadership skills are equally valuable pathways to success.

The intensive training he received during the programme empowered him to impart knowledge and skills to the youth. 

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to his community, attributing his efforts to the leadership programme.  Marembo emphasised the significance of sharing the knowledge gained from his participation at UNISA’s Midrand campus.

The programme not only equipped him with practical skills, but  also instilled in him a commitment to foster youth development in the country through entrepreneurship and leadership initiatives.

“After my training, we hosted a three-day workshop in the Kavango East region at the University of Namibia’s Rundu campus. Through the Marembo Charity Foundation, we capacitated 26 students and recent graduates on the importance of pitching, and how they can use pitching to develop or attract donors and funders who can fund their ideas that will enable them to implement their innovative ideas, and bring self-employment and emancipation within their region,” he said.

The workshop aimed to share, educate and enhance young people’s skills and abilities to pitch ideas and think outside the box.

Yali develops leadership and entrepreneurship skills, and connects participants.

The programme enjoys strong support in the United States, Congress, the academic community and across Africa.  

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