The Mo Ibrahim Foundation on Tuesday announced the 2016 Ibrahim Leadership Fellows.
The Ibrahim Fellows are Mariam Yinusa from Nigeria, who will join the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and Diane Sayinzoga of Rwanda, who will join the International Trade Centre (ITC).
According to a statement from the organisers, the programme is designed to mentor future African Leaders.
The candidates, chosen from among a pool of over 1,000 applicants, will take up posts in these two multinational organisations and benefit from direct mentorship from their current leaders.
Commenting on the new Fellows, Mo Ibrahim congratulated them, saying:
“Through the programme, the Foundation continues to develop a community of individuals who are pushing boundaries in their fields. The Foundation is particularly proud of our former alumni who now contribute their skills and learning to benefit our continent and our people,” he added.
Mariam Yinusa, who will join UNECA, comes from the African Development Bank in Abidjan where she worked as a Senior Financial Analyst.
In this capacity, she has successfully designed, appraised and task-managed development projects in over 15 African countries.
She is also a Chartered Stockbroker with several years of experience in stock markets and developing innovative financial products in emerging markets.
Diane Sayinzoga, who will join the ITC, comes from the Rwanda Development Board where she worked as Services Development Division Manager.
Diane was in charge of promoting investment and trade in health care services, education, transport, logistics, creative industries and BPO sectors. Previously, she was the Trade Division Manager in charge of export development and promotion.
This year, the programme will not include a Fellow at the African Development Bank, which will resume in 2017.
The application process for the 2017 Ibrahim Fellowships Programme will open on 12 August 2016.
