The Future of Democracy
Working with Emerging
Political Leaders to Build a Resilient Women and Youth Majority in Africa's Democracies
Non-partisan political leadership learning and development programmes to prepare young ethical leaders in Africa to lead with integrity. We also offer an online youth democracy learning programme to promote an informed and active citizenry.
Get Ready to Run
You already possess the potential to lead; we are here to help you ignite that confidence and build the resilience essential for leading with integrity.
Craft Your Authentic
Public Narrative
Define Your Vision & Constituency
Understand the Realities of Public Life
Strengthen Your Ethical Compass
Master Political Strategy & Campaigning
Drive Institutional Change
Prepare for the Transition to Leadership
Africa’s democratic future depends on inclusive ethical political leadership and an informed active citizenry. Yet, women comprise only 26% of parliamentary seats across Africa. Africa boasts the youngest population in the world, with 70% being under 35, but the average age of African parliamentarians is 58 years, and only 7% under 35. The political landscape remains dominated by older generations, limiting youth-driven policy change. Public trust in institutions continues to decline, with a growing sense of disillusionment among citizens, particularly youth.
26%
Women comprise only 26% of parliamentary seats across Africa.
70%
Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% being under 35.
7%
The average age of African MP's is 58, and only 7% under 35.
Who We Are
Futurelect is a pioneering non-partisan non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing women and youth representation in African parliaments. Our mission is to contribute to a future where women and youth form a combined majority in political leadership across the continent. We achieve this by empowering emerging leaders through a series of political leadership development programmes, and by working with youth citizens to promote active participation and informed citizenship, ensuring that not only are we putting incredible leaders into parliament, but we are also empowering a generation of young voters to support them.
Recalibrating the Political Arena in Africa
155
programme graduates.
19
of 54 countries represented.
70%
of our alumni are women.
40%
of alumni are in public office.
55%
of East African alumni will run.
106k
civics app downloads.
2
alumna are MPs in South Africa.
3m
South Africans reached online.
Futurelect Alumni Programme
Mentorship and ethical accountability support for graduates, fostering a community of ethical leadership. The Alumni Community commences once a fellow graduates from the Futurelect Public Leadership programmes. The programme is focused on personal leadership, public purpose, ethics, and values, and is underpinned by a high-level mentorship programme and ethical accountability mechanisms managed by their peers in the community.
Rising to Lead
Futurelect Launches Narratives of Africa's Young Leaders
Futurelect, Africa’s leading public leadership and civic education non-profit and public benefit organisation, is proud to announce the release of its first-ever collection of leadership narratives. This powerful collection brings together personal accounts from Futurelect's East Africa Public Leadership Programme fellows, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of governance and democracy in their countries.
Civic Education
Futurelect's Youth Democracy Learning Initiative
Futurelect’s Civic Education Programme empowers South Africa's youth to become informed, engaged citizens. Our Learning App provides essential knowledge on governance, democracy, and public service, tailored for young South Africans. Let’s shape the future together!
Alumni Community
Building a Strong Network of Ethical Political Leaders in Africa
Our alumni currently represent 19 of the 54 countries in Africa. Hover over the map to see how many of our alumni are in each country.
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Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda.
