Zambia’s Ambassador to the U.S hails Young African Leaders

WASHINGTON DC- THURSDAY, August 2, 2018 – Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States of America His Excellency Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula has hailed the U.S government for empowering leadership among the young people through programmes such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI).

Dr. Simbyakula has also congratulated 26 Zambians for having been selected from thousand applicants for this year’s 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. The Ambassador said he was delighted to see enthusiasm among the young people whom he described as future leaders of the country.

Speaking at his residence where he hosted the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Dr. Simbyakula urged the youths to invest in education and apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired to develop Zambia.

“This programme is aimed at empowering youths and I want to congratulate you individually and severally for having been selected from among thousands who competed for this fellowship. There are leadership qualities that were spotted in you so you should cherish the exposure and the knowledge you have acquired from this programme. The responsibility of developing and taking Zambia to the next level rests with you when the mantle is past on to your generation, so be responsible and patriotic to your nation,” Dr. Simbyakula counselled.

And speaking on behalf of the delegation, Robson Maamba thanked the Embassy of Zambia in Washington D.C for hosting the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders at the Ambassador’s residence.

Also in attendance was 2010 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Fellow Brian Bwembya popularly known as B’flow and Albino Foundation of Zambia Executive director John Chiti who is also among the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. The rest included the following; Monica Chipanta Mwansa, Francisca Mukuka Chanda, Musaka Chikobola, Towela Phiri, Suzyika Nyimbili, Chiwali Mwambazi, Slyvia Mwanza Kabaghe, Katongo Bwalya, Violet Niza Phiri, Catherine Sakala, William Manjimela, Phyllis Zyambo and John Zimba.

Others were; Noah Siachoto, Mirriam Chileshe, Likando Nabuyanda, Twambo Nambao, Patrick Mwale Kabwe, Liswaniso Chisela Kabwela, Sam Sakala, Mulung'a Mwale, Inota Cheta, Donald Mumba and Miyoba Buumba.

Last year 42 Zambians were nominated for the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. The Fellowship is the flagship program that supports young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. It includes a six-week Academic and Leadership Institute where Fellows are placed at U.S. colleges and universities across the country and in both urban and rural areas with the focus on skills development which include Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management.