Across the Commonwealth, young leaders are increasingly driving solutions to some of the most pressing social and economic challenges. The QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026, launched by the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, aims to support this shift by recognising 100 individuals who are already making measurable contributions in their communities. The initiative goes beyond celebration, offering structured support that can help these leaders expand their reach, attract partnerships and strengthen their organisations. In doing so, it reinforces the role of youth-led innovation in shaping sustainable development outcomes.
The awards come at a significant moment, marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, the Trust’s founding patron. The programme reflects her long-standing belief in the role young people play in building stronger and more inclusive societies. By focusing on practical support and global exposure, the initiative is designed to turn local solutions into broader impact across the 56 Commonwealth countries.
Selected through a highly competitive process, the 100 awardees represent work across education and employability, environment, food and agriculture, health and inclusion. These sectors remain central to sustainable development, particularly in emerging markets where youth-led innovation continues to shape economic and social progress.
Practical Support to Scale Impact
Beyond recognition, the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards are structured to provide direct support that enables growth. Awardees will have the opportunity to apply for microgrants, giving them a pathway to expand projects that are already delivering results within their communities.
The programme also includes tailored capacity-building and mentorship, aimed at strengthening leadership skills and improving how these initiatives are managed and scaled. For many young founders and social entrepreneurs, access to structured support remains limited, making this component of the initiative particularly valuable.
In addition, awardees will benefit from global media exposure, positioning them as leaders within their sectors. This visibility is expected to open doors to new partnerships and funding opportunities. Through networking events, both virtual and in-person, participants will also connect with funders, development partners and industry experts.
Eligibility criteria ensured that selected participants already demonstrate strong potential and proven impact. Applicants were required to be between 18 and 35 years old, hold a leadership role in a social impact initiative and show measurable impact over at least 12 months. They also had to meet ethical and operational standards aligned with the values of the Trust.
Strengthening a Global Network of Young Leaders
The QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards build on the legacy of earlier youth-focused programmes while expanding their reach. By bringing together leaders from across the Commonwealth, the initiative is creating a network that supports collaboration, knowledge sharing and the scaling of solutions beyond national borders.
This network is expected to play a key role in addressing shared challenges such as unemployment, climate change and access to healthcare. By connecting innovators working in similar areas, the programme allows for faster learning and the replication of successful models in different regions.
For African participants, the initiative provides a strong platform to showcase locally developed solutions on a global stage. It also creates access to partnerships that can help accelerate growth and sustainability. As youth-led enterprises and social initiatives continue to expand across the continent, access to networks and funding remains essential.
The selection of 43 African young leaders among the 100 awardees highlights strong continental representation and underscores Africa’s growing influence in youth-led innovation and leadership.
African Awardees – QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026
- Sally Tabe Njoh – Cameroon
- Afanwi Monique Ntumngia – Cameroon
- Chea Gerald Nde Tetube – Cameroon
- Temave Matilda Krampah – Ghana
- Isaac Opoku – Ghana
- Aisha Addo – Ghana
- Jonathan Kennedy Sowah – Ghana
- Paul Mensah Amanor – Ghana
- Norah Kimathi – Kenya
- Caleb Ndunda Kioko – Kenya
- Khadija Mohamed Juma – Kenya
- Elly Savatia – Kenya
- Tleetse Ada Phakoe – Lesotho
- Chisomo Bridget Mallwa – Malawi
- Martin Masiya – Malawi
- Sarah Chisomo Msambira – Malawi
- Hercilio Eduardo Zimila – Mozambique
- Luisa Jennifer Marques Sitoe – Mozambique
- Leena M. S. Amwaalwa – Namibia
- Uche Kenneth Udekwe – Nigeria
- Yahuza Sani Hudu – Nigeria
- Joy Egbe-Nwasor – Nigeria
- Emmanuel Ezenwere – Nigeria
- Daniel Mfon Akpan – Nigeria
- Adewunmi T. Akingbola – Nigeria
- Olalade Abigail Ogunnubi – Nigeria
- Regine Ingabire – Rwanda
- Niyonkuru Olivier – Rwanda
- Alvania Lawen – Seychelles
- Komrabai Dumbuya – Sierra Leone
- Mthembeni Bright Hlongwane – South Africa
- Tswello Mamoiloa Moreki – South Africa
- Nonkululo Tracey Malawana – South Africa
- Mbali Pfeiffer Shongwe – South Africa
- Editha Mshiu – Tanzania
- Noely Mapunda – Tanzania
- Suleiman Salum Suleiman – Tanzania
- Julius John Mbungo – Tanzania
- Fatoumatta L Kassama – The Gambia
- Komlan Abalo Braly – Togo
- Isaac Ashige – Uganda
- Linda Shachinda – Zambia
- Nkhazana Sihwaya – Zambia
