- It is important for people in developing countries to know that they are represented and valued on the world stage.
- Hearing from a wide range of voices builds trust and promotes inclusion.
- We asked four Young Global Leaders (YGLs), who are Aliko Dangote
Members of the Aliko Dangote Foundation for their perspectives
on trust and representation.
Global platforms that bring together some of the world’s brightest minds and influential personalities provide space for conversations about global challenges and solutions. In this landscape dominated by experienced leaders and experts, the inclusion of voices from developing economies is essential.
Their participation in such international arenas goes beyond simple symbolism, as it contributes deeply to the establishment of trust on several fronts – trust in the inclusion of diverse ideas, trust in upholding global standards, and trust among populations in developing countries that their voices are not only heard. but also to be recognized and appreciated on the world stage.
In a world where global challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected, the necessity of different ideas cannot be overstated. In a global community that places increasing emphasis on inclusion and diversity, the active participation of young leaders from developing economies fosters confidence in the belief that diverse voices are not only embraced but actively sought. This wealth of diverse thinking promises to provide more comprehensive and effective solutions to the multifaceted global problems we face.
It is important for people in developing countries to believe that their voices are not only heard but recognized and valued on the world stage. When people from these regions participate in international discussions and are empowered to share their authentic perspectives, a strong message is sent that their concerns matter. This, in turn, builds trust between their communities and strengthens their confidence in the commitment of the international community to address their needs.
We asked four Young Global Leaders (YGLs), who are Aliko Dangote Fellows from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, about their perspectives on trust and representation.
“Champion of Africa’s representation and confidence on the world stage”
Zakari Momodu, Director of Projects, Aliko Dangote Foundation
For over a decade, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has been the driving force behind the participation of Africans in the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme.
“We believe it is imperative that Africa, Africans and African issues are represented at the highest levels of global conversations and decision-making,” said Zakari Momodu.
The Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting the participation of Africans in global platforms, such as the YGLs program, reflects a deep understanding of the transformative power of diverse voices and perspectives from developing countries.
“The program offers a truly diverse group of young Africans the opportunity to better understand and integrate the issues of the continent and the world in a way they would not have otherwise. The YGL program also enables them to share their authentic perspectives with each other and with the rest of the world, unhindered by political or diplomatic sensitivities and constraints.”
“Double meaning of representation”
Aïssata Lam, Director General, Mauritania Investment Promotion Agency
“We often say when it comes to representation that it’s not about counting the numbers but about making the numbers count – in this case I think it’s a matter of both.” Aïssata Lam stresses the critical importance of ensuring a greater presence of developing countries on global platforms. In this case, both aspects are of immense importance. The presence of countries that are considered frontier markets today at global events is doubly important. First, it serves as a powerful amplifier for the voices of these nations. It provides a platform to not only showcase their potential, but also share untold stories and successes that often remain hidden from mainstream media and global platforms.
Lam’s ambition is clear: to raise the flag even higher by highlighting specific opportunities her country is pursuing, which would require international expertise and be of mutual interest to both investors and Mauritania. It also seeks to challenge the prevailing perception of risk that is holding back investment in its country. Through her participation in global platforms, Lam aims to convey the message that developing countries are open for business and ready to engage with the global community.
“Our countries are on an upward trajectory of innovation, consistently presenting strong propositions and demonstrating great success in different sectors. Our role as YGL is also to remind that we are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with our counterparts. A narrative we are determined to document and validate, while cultivating a shared commitment to principles that transcend geographic boundaries, setting a framework for cooperation and collaboration, and building trust in collective efforts to address global and community issues.”
“Bridging worlds and narratives”
Kamissa Camara, Senior Advisor, Africa, United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
Kamissa Camara, a member of the African diaspora has served at the highest levels of government in Mali. Her presence represents a bridge between her homeland and the world stage with unique strengths, influenced by experiences in different cultural contexts, that enrich the conversation.
“My first experience at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting was as a new Secretary of State, fresh with ideas and ambitions. Now, I return as an Aliko Dangote Fellow, equipped with rich experience in governance, politics and crisis management. My journey from a member of the African diaspora to a leader in Mali and now a participant in Davos reflects the multi-faceted narratives of African diaspora leaders returning to their roots, making significant contributions to their homelands.”
“My role in Davos is not to represent Mali but to express the collective experiences and aspirations of the African diaspora. It’s an opportunity to show how those of us who have lived and worked abroad bring back different perspectives and innovative solutions that can lead to change in our home countries.”
“Recognizing pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence” Professor Vukosi Marivate.
Professor Vukosi Marivate, Associate Professor of Computer Science, University of Pretoria
Professor Vukosi Marivate believes that true trust comes from action, not words. Discussions on African and global issues without the active participation of African stakeholders seriously erode trust.
It highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contribution of African stakeholders. He specializes in the development of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods, particularly in the field of natural language processing (NLP), with a dedication to improving methods, tools and data availability for local or low-resource languages.
“Africa has long been excluded from global conversations, yet pioneering work on the continent demands recognition. Africa-based initiatives are democratizing AI development, shaping research globally. Africa plays an indispensable role in technological revolutions, although its contributions remain overlooked.”
Marivate highlights that trust in global conversations can be achieved by embracing the innovative and collaborative approaches to research emerging from Africa. A notable example is the laureate Masakhane Research Foundation, a grassroots NLP R&D community of thousands of passionate people that he co-founded. This community has created new AI tools, resources and models specifically tailored for African languages, addressing a critical gap in technology development.
Another notable initiative is the Deep Learning Indaba (which he co-founded), with its annual meeting being the largest of its kind on the continent. This platform attracts AI R&D professionals and has become a hub for pioneering work on AI ethics and the development of AI for Good research initiatives in Africa. Makerere’s AI lab in Uganda is another example, leading AI for Good research for more than 14 years. These ground-breaking efforts highlight the enormous potential in Africa to contribute innovative ideas and solutions in various fields.
Marivate emphasizes that forums such as the Forum’s Annual Meeting should play a key role in recognizing pioneering African work in all fields and bringing African leaders and ideas to the main stage. To build and maintain trust in global platforms, it is imperative that they recognize and actively engage these African leaders and their innovative ideas.
“Bridging local solutions with global goals”
Shani Senbetta, Founder and CEO, Kidame Mart
One person who understands the profound impact of such gatherings is Shani Senbetta, founder and CEO of Kidame Mart, Ethiopia’s largest last-mile distribution network, and director of Zeleman Communications, Advertising and Production. It is dedicated to addressing social problems with innovative private sector solutions. Her work resonates with global goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as the fight against poverty, gender equality and decent work, and economic growth.
Senbetta is a strong advocate of inclusive dialogue that respects and incorporates the ideas and needs of diverse communities.
“I take my involvement with great responsibility and it is a privilege not only to help build trust, but also to be part of the global solutions that shape our interconnected future.”
Senbetta’s work supporting rural women in Ethiopia serves as a prime example of how local solutions can align with global goals. Its collaborations with stakeholders, including government, international multinational corporations and international funding partners, highlight how solutions to local problems can be supported by the global community and vice versa. This interconnection exemplifies the potential for individuals and entities from developing countries to make significant contributions to global solutions.