Jemaimah Akiteyi

Leadership is measured not only by the positions one holds, but by the lives one transforms. Across Africa, a new generation of young leaders is redefining what it means to serve, influence, and create lasting change. Among those shaping this future is Jemaimah Akiteyi, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, gender equality, and community development has earned her recognition as the Young African Leaders Summit (YALS) Young Leader of the Month for August 2026.

A passionate Ghanaian youth leader, development practitioner, and United Nations Volunteer, Jemaimah has dedicated her work to ensuring that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development, but active architects of it. Her leadership reflects the conviction that meaningful progress is achieved when young people are equipped with knowledge, empowered with opportunity, and entrusted with responsibility.

As a UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellow, Jemaimah has worked at the intersection of youth advocacy, education, public health, and social inclusion. Through strategic partnerships with organisations including UN Volunteers, UNICEF, Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Curious Minds Ghana, and Child Rights International, she has contributed to initiatives focused on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), child protection, digital advocacy, civic participation, and community engagement.

Her work extends beyond programme implementation. She has become a trusted advocate for creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can engage in informed dialogue, build confidence, and develop the leadership skills necessary to influence decisions affecting their lives. Whether facilitating educational campaigns, supporting community-based initiatives, or amplifying youth voices through digital platforms, Jemaimah has consistently demonstrated that sustainable development begins by investing in people.

Through these initiatives, she has directly impacted more than 10,000 adolescents and young people, empowering them with knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities to become informed leaders and responsible citizens. Her contribution exemplifies a leadership model rooted in service, empathy, collaboration, and measurable social impact.

At the Young African Leaders Summit, we believe that leadership is not defined by status or recognition, but by integrity, innovation, inclusion, and a commitment to advancing the common good. Our mission is to identify and celebrate young Africans who embody these principles while driving transformative change within their communities and beyond.

Jemaimah’s journey reflects these values in remarkable ways.

She has demonstrated that leadership begins with service, choosing to invest her time and expertise in addressing issues that directly affect the wellbeing of young people. Her work champions inclusive leadership, ensuring that adolescent girls, young women, and marginalised youth are represented, heard, and empowered. Through collaboration with national and international development partners, she has shown the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable impact, while her advocacy continues to inspire a generation of young Africans to become active participants in shaping their societies.

Her achievements serve as a reminder that Africa’s greatest resource is not found beneath its soil, but within the potential of its young people. By empowering others to lead, challenging harmful social norms, and promoting equitable access to knowledge and opportunities, Jemaimah is helping build communities that are healthier, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.

As the YALS Young Leader of the Month for August 2026, we celebrate not only Jemaimah’s accomplishments, but also the values she represents: purpose-driven leadership, service to humanity, collaboration, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change.

Her story is an inspiration to young leaders across the continent, demonstrating that genuine leadership is measured by the opportunities created for others, the voices amplified, and the lasting impact left behind.

Congratulations, Jemaimah Akiteyi, on this well-deserved recognition. The Young African Leaders Summit is honoured to celebrate your leadership and your continued contribution towards building a more inclusive, empowered, and prosperous Africa.

“Empowering young people is not simply about preparing the leaders of tomorrow. It is about recognising and supporting the leaders who are already transforming Africa today.” – Dr Emmanuel Addo, CEO – YALS

Connect with Jemaimah Akiteyi:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemaimah-akiteyi-66739724b/