Those who, like Tunde Folawiyo, are in favour of youth development projects, are probably familiar with the African Leadership Academy. Despite being open less than a decade, it has already established itself as one of the continent’s leading academic institutes. The intensive two-year programme that the ALA offers students includes everything they need to become the CEOs, presidents, doctors, lawyers and teachers of the future.

It focuses on social entrepreneurship and practical leadership skills, as well as theory lessons which teach young people about Africa’s most pressing economic and political problems. Students at this academy do not merely memorise facts, but are assigned projects which have a real impact on their local communities. They also operate businesses such as beauty salons, snack shops and laundry services on campus. This experience ensures that, at the end of their time with the ALA, they have developed the skills which any good leader must have, including responsibility, creativity and compassion for others.

The success of this venture can be attributed to its co-founder, Fred Swaniker, a businessman who has managed to continuously raise funds for the academy over the course of the past six years. In an interview, Swaniker explained that he has achieved this by developing an extensive network of contacts across Africa. In total, he has raised approximately $30 million dollars, all of which has gone into making the ALA the outstanding educational organisation it is today.

Whilst some of this funding goes towards the everyday running costs of the academy, a large percentage is kept in a scholarship fund, so that the ALA can offer places to talented young students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the most admirable aspects of the academy’s application process is that the students’ ability to afford to attend the ALA is never a factor in whether or not they are accepted. Those who have demonstrated leadership potential, but who cannot afford the expense of studying at the academy, can apply for scholarships, academic prizes and various other forms of funding to help them to complete the programme.

One example of this is the Anzisha Prize. This is a collaborative effort by the MasterCard Foundation and the ALA, which aims to honour young people who have set up businesses and social entrepreneurial projects that have positively impacted their communities; most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, have probably heard of this award. The prize money, which totals $75,000, is shared amongst several finalists.  Students of the academy who receive this prize can then use it not only to help with their school fees, but also to create their next big business venture.