Looking back on 2025, I’m struck by how much we have experienced together—as a fellowship, as a community, and as leaders committed to Africa’s future. Hosting the Africa Impact Forum once again here in South Africa was a highlight, reminding me of the powerful connections that bind us across the continent. It was inspiring to see our ALI Fellows engage deeply with peers from across Africa, not just exchanging ideas but forging bonds grounded in a shared vision for transformative leadership. This past year has been a testament to our collective growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to shaping meaningful change.
Since the first AIF hosted by ALI SA in 2018, I’ve been heartened by the remarkable growth and evolution of our community. It’s especially encouraging to see the camaraderie deepen as we come together as one united family of ALI Africa Fellows. Increasingly, Fellows recognise that their leadership extends beyond local boundaries—they are critical players in Africa’s broader development journey, conscious that the complex challenges we face require innovative, united responses from leaders across the continent.
The Cycle of Growth: Introducing Class 15 and Honouring Class 14
One of the most meaningful aspects of this role is having the opportunity each year to welcome new Fellows beginning their journey and to celebrate those who complete the fellowship after 18 months. For Class XV candidate Fellows (Khawuleza) just starting their fellowship journey in 2025, there’s a mix of excitement, anticipation and natural nerves about stepping into the unknown. What strikes me most is their courage—the willingness to leave behind titles and egos and engage in deeply reflective conversations about values and leadership styles. These discussions can be challenging, especially when perspectives differ sharply, but they consistently open eyes and hearts.
“It’s especially encouraging to see the camaraderie deepen as we come together as one united family of ALI Africa Fellows.”
Graduating the Class XIV (Pamoja) Fellows, after eighteen months and four seminars, it is personally rewarding to witness the transformation of the graduating Fellows as they emerge with greater self-awareness and a heightened sense of responsibility to use their influence for positive change. Many develop bold ideas and a strong determination to launch ventures with lasting impact and some of these ventures are already yielding positive results. This journey inspires leaders to combine responsibility with passion in making meaningful contributions to society.
Engaging Tough Issues and Deepening Connections
This year, we confronted some of the most complex and pressing issues at the ALI SA Dialogues, fearlessly tackling challenging topics ranging from the shadow economy’s hidden agendas to the intricate dynamics of geopolitical shifts in the global economy and its impact on South Africa.
Our ALI SA Fellows really leaned into the tough issues, knowing that fully understanding these challenges is the foundation for leadership that can drive solutions. Fellows engaged with the complexity of the issues with open minds, honest reflection and a willingness to have the hard conversations. This mindset captures what the fellowship is all about—preparing leaders to face difficult realities with courage, creativity and a clear sense of purpose.
The Good Society Seminar: Reconnecting Across Generations
In May 2025, we gathered for the second Good Society Seminar at De Hoek country hotel in Magaliesberg—a special space designed for alumni Fellows to step back into a seminar setting, reflect on their journeys and reconnect with the fellowship community. Many came at pivotal moments in their lives, using the time to share challenges, gain clarity, recalibrate and explore what lies ahead.
While graduates often stay connected within their own cohorts, the Good Society Seminar unites ALI SA alumni from multiple classes. This creates valuable cross-generational connections and broadens the network of engaged leaders. More importantly, it serves as a heartfelt reminder of the essence of fellowship—being part of a community where leaders face similar life and leadership challenges, supporting and learning from each other throughout their journeys.
The Heart of Our Fellowship: Connection and Commitment
Throughout this busy year, the ALI SA Fellowship has shown itself to be much more than just a programme—it is a living, breathing community that quietly supports one another in countless, often unseen ways. Fellows regularly extend mentorship, advice and practical support to peers facing personal or professional challenges, whether by guiding difficult decisions, connecting them to others, or simply offering a listening ear. These small acts of care and collaboration reveal the true strength of our fellowship, rooted in trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth and wellbeing. They weave an invisible thread beneath our larger events and gatherings, ensuring that no Fellow walks their leadership journey alone and sustaining ALI SA’s collective impact long after seminar doors close.
Leading ALI SA through such an eventful year has been a marathon with many moments of challenge and inspiration. What has continually energised me is witnessing the genuine passion and commitment of our Fellows—especially when they open up about personal stories and bridge differences through collaboration. One unforgettable moment was seeing a Fellow step forward after a demanding seminar with new clarity and determination to lead a venture focused on youth mental health. That moment was a vivid reminder of why this work matters.
“Throughout this busy year, the ALI SA Fellowship has shown itself to be much more than just a programme—it is a living, breathing community that quietly supports one another in countless, often unseen ways.”
Reflecting on my two years as Executive Director of ALI SA, I am proud of how far we’ve come—strengthening governance, securing financial stability, launching new cohorts and hosting powerful dialogues and events like the AIF. As we look to 2026, our focus will be on deepening fellowship engagement and launching the ALI SA Impact Hub, a new initiative to support fellows’ ventures and amplify their impact. This is the natural next step in turning our conversations into concrete, sustained contributions.
As we embark on this new chapter, I warmly invite every Fellow to actively participate and support the ALI SA Fellowship in meaningful ways. Your experience, insights and engagement are vital to growing our community and advancing the impact we aspire to make. Together, let’s commit to collaboration, knowledge-sharing and championing new initiatives that will help build a better future for South Africa and Africa. Your involvement makes all the difference in every way—so let’s move forward with shared purpose, enthusiasm and confidence.
In Fellowship,
Lynette Chen
ALI SA Executive Director
