Johannesburg’s leading digital innovation hub, Tshimologong Precinct, has announced that its CEO, Lesley Williams, has been selected as a member of the inaugural class of the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa programme.
“Through Tshimologong Precinct and other initiatives, South Africa has made impressive progress to not only improve our country, but to build much needed skills,” said Williams.
“I am excited to form part of this working group and committed to help make Africa better for all.”
Over the course of 2017, President Obama met with emerging leaders from nearly every corner of the globe to better understand how the Obama Foundation can support their work. To support and develop the next generation of leaders in Africa, Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa was formed. It is a year-long initiative to inspire, empower, and connect 200 emerging leaders from across Africa to take on the biggest challenges in their communities, countries, and continent.
Williams was appointed as part of the Obama Foundation’s commitment to grow its global network of innovative and ethical change makers who seek to drive transformation in their communities. This programme will provide emerging African leaders from a range of backgrounds with the skills they need to create change. Through plenary sessions, problem-solving workshops, technical trainings and leadership development, this working group will aim to find ways to create and solve African-specific issues.
It will kick off with a five-day workshop convening in Johannesburg. The convening will also include a town hall meeting with President Obama where he will learn about their experiences and the work Africa is doing.
“It is even more exciting as at the same time, while in Johannesburg, President Obama will deliver the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture,” added Williams.
“In honour of the 100th anniversary of Madiba’s birth, the lecture’s theme will be Renewing the Mandela Legacy and Promoting Active Citizenship in a Changing World.”
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