A fellowship for young innovation leaders
Champions raised for Africa
Empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders to drive innovation, solve real-world challenges, and redefine possibilities across the continent.
Research and Innovation
YIL champions a culture of research-driven innovation, equipping leaders to turn insights into impactful solutions for Africa’s sustainable growth.
Our Mission
To raise a new generation of African leaders who drive sustainable innovation through bold thinking, strategic action, and impactful research.
Bridging the Leadership Gap
Africa faces a critical need for skilled leaders who can turn challenges into opportunities through innovative, locally-driven solutions. The YIL Fellowship addresses this gap by empowering young professionals with the tools and mentorship they need to lead impactful change, fostering a new generation that can drive sustainable development across the continent.
Programs
2024 Innovation Challenges & Projects
Innovations for Unemployment and Underemployment
How might we develop innovative solutions to address the rising rates of youth unemployment and underemployment across Africa? With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, millions of young people face limited job opportunities, contributing to economic instability and social unrest. At YIL, one of the teams is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through an innovative and sustainable initiative.
Empowering Climate-Smart Farming
How might we address the limited access to climate-smart agricultural technologies and knowledge for large-scale farmers, enabling them to maintain high productivity and adapt their practices amidst the challenges of unpredictable rainfall, extreme weather patterns, and fragmented climate information? With climate change increasingly affecting farming systems, over 60% of African farmers lack access to the resources needed to implement climate-smart practices, putting food security and livelihoods at risk. At YIL, one of our teams is dedicated to empowering farmers through innovative solutions that provide sustainable access to the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing climate.
Community-Level Mental Health Access
How might we improve access to mental health services for vulnerable groups and communities across Africa? With mental health disorders affecting over 25% of Africa’s population and only 1 in 10 people receiving the care they need, many individuals, particularly in underserved areas, face significant barriers to care, exacerbating social and economic challenges. At YIL, one of our teams is exploring innovative solutions that can expand mental health access and support for those who need it most.
The YIL Scale
Impact in Numbers
200 Fellows Plus An additional 1,500+ Young Leaders Trained Across 24 African Countries
%
95% of Fellows Report Significant Career Advancements Post-Fellowship
25+ Innovative Projects Launched by YIL Alumni, Addressing Africa’s Critical Challenges
The YIL Fellowship is a flagship initiative of Hutzpa Center for Innovation and Development, a nonprofit that is redefining the future of Africa through principled innovation. With an unwavering commitment to accelerating sustainable development, Hutzpa empowers individuals, organizations, and communities to challenge the status quo, ignite transformative change, and create audacious solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
How You Can BE a Part
Getting Involved
Join the Team
We seek advisors with relevant industry expertise and experience, particularly in the innovation and development sectors.
Become a Volunteer
Volunteering with the YIL Fellowship is both rewarding and enriching, offering invaluable learning experiences. If you’re passionate about solving impactful challenges alongside some of the brightest minds, join us as a volunteer.
Make a Donation
Participation in our program is free of charge, which is why we rely on support to effectively run the program each year.
