The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Summit kicked off this week in Washington D.C. The U.S. government program highlights African youth who are making waves in Africa — and holds events, which will ultimately enrich opportunities for the continent’s rising leaders. Voice of America reported that 65 private sector companies spoke one-on-one with youth at the summit about potential business opportunities. One program fellow, Dr. Hilarius Abiwu, is focusing on broadening youth involvement in policy by implementing programs in schools.

“We learn. We share things we do which are essentially focusing on economical development, understanding how technology really plays a part in transparency, social reform, economic reform — I mean so many different aspects,” Fernando de Sousa, general manager of Microsoft Africa said in the report.”