« Africa’s problem is not a lack of resources, but a lack of leadership. » It is in response to this reality that the NGO EPIK Leaders launched, on Saturday, April 26 at ENCG Casablanca, the very first edition of Africa Future Leaders Day 2025.
A day dedicated to envisioning an innovative and sovereign Africa, bringing together decision-makers, business leaders, and pan-African actors to identify, train, and propel a new generation of leaders. The momentum is already set, with a second edition scheduled for 2026.
More than 400 participants from 15 African countries — from Côte d’Ivoire to Guinea to Senegal — answered the call. This strong mobilization reflects a shared ambition: building an Africa powered by its young talents, inspired by their dreams, their commitments, and their visions for the future.
Co-organized by EPIK Leaders and ENCG Casablanca, the event is aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who places strong emphasis on empowering African youth, strengthening skills, and advancing South-South cooperation.
Training leaders differently!
Preparing the leaders of tomorrow goes far beyond simply transmitting theoretical knowledge. EPIK Leaders has launched an innovative, tailor-made training program, focused on hands-on learning, collective experience, and the development of cross-cutting skills.
« The key principle is stepping out of the traditional academic framework to develop these competencies and learn to work as a team, » explains Mahmoud Cherkaoui, President of EPIK Leaders, in a statement to Le Matin.
Spanning 1 to 5 years, depending on each participant’s academic profile, the program combines several complementary formats: in-person seminars, e-learning sessions, personalized coaching, and summer universities.
Already, 30 EPIK Leaders clubs are active in various public and private institutions, with 50 more in the pipeline. Each club becomes a learning laboratory where young people organize events, immerse themselves in professional life, seek funding, and benefit from tailored mentoring.
The ambition is clear: to expand this model to all Moroccan universities and eventually reach high schools, instilling leadership skills as early as adolescence. To this end, a network of 600 trainer-coaches has been mobilized.
« Our African youth simply need guidance and trust, » adds Mahmoud Cherkaoui.
Strong institutional partnerships
To reinforce its action, EPIK Leaders relies on major institutional partnerships. Agreements have been signed with Ibn Zohr University, Technopark, and ENCG Casablanca, supporting the development of a large-scale skills-building movement for young African professionals.
With experience supporting over 500 Moroccan startups, Technopark will guide young talents through its Boost Up Lab program, helping bring their technological projects to life from the pre-incubation phase.
« Technopark will connect these aspiring leaders with its ecosystem of successful startup founders, many already exporting across Africa, to share experiences. Projects identified during the tour of institutions will be supported, particularly in entrepreneurship and tech innovation, » explains Elhassania Sebti, Director of Support Programs at Technopark.
Another key partner, Concentrix, shares this vision.
« Our strength lies above all in our people. Anything that helps train and empower our talents in a rapidly changing world — especially with the rise of artificial intelligence — reinforces our commitment to being fully invested in this initiative, » emphasizes Redouane Mabchour, Managing Director of Concentrix Maghreb, highlighting the importance of combining education, innovation, and social responsibility.
Under the slogan « Together, Let’s Shape Africa’s Future », the event placed shared responsibility and creative boldness at the very heart of its vision.
The next milestone is already set: the second edition of Africa Future Leaders Day will be held in Dakhla, continuing the mission of nurturing a generation of builders for the African continent.
A look back in pictures at the highlights of this inspiring day:
