ICOYACA Launches Young Experts Network

ICOYACA Launches Young Experts Network

• Blog
• May 22, 2026

ICOYACA is proud to announce the launch of its Young Experts Network, an initiative aimed at strengthening pathways for meaningful youth participation in Africa’s economic and development agenda.

The Network brings together emerging African professionals across Law, Policy, Governance & Economics, Finance, Markets, Agriculture and Inclusive Trade. It seeks to highlight the depth of human capital among young people on the continent while strengthening connections between young expertise and the institutions shaping Africa’s future.

The launch of the Network responds to a growing structural challenge across the continent. While Africa has a rapidly expanding pool of highly skilled young professionals, many remain disconnected from the spaces where implementation, policy execution and economic decision-making take place.

The Young Experts Network is designed to help bridge this gap by positioning young African professionals more intentionally within government ministries, private sector institutions and development organisations where continental frameworks and development priorities are increasingly being operationalised.

Beyond professional recognition, the initiative reflects a broader continental mindset shift driven by young people themselves. ICOYACA seeks to advance a vision where young Africans are not viewed solely as future leaders, but as active actors already contributing to governance, trade, development and institutional reform across the continent.

The Network also reflects the growing importance of youth participation within Africa’s economic integration agenda, particularly as young professionals, entrepreneurs and SMEs continue to play an increasingly visible role in shaping markets, innovation and cross-border economic activity.

This announcement comes amid wider continental conversations, including discussions at the AfCFTA Biashara Forum, on the importance of SMEs, entrepreneurship and youth participation in advancing Africa’s integration agenda.

Young Experts Network Cohort

Law, Policy, Governance & Economics

• Faith Chelangat — International Trade Law & Trade Policy
• Tekin Saeko — International Trade Law & Trade Policy
• Nasubila Ng’ambi — International Trade Law & Trade Policy
• Jamada Kalinda — International Trade Law & Trade Policy
• Ashton Anderson Makore — International Trade Law & Trade Policy
• Théorine Avodre — Trade Economics & Economic Policy
• Julius Rading — Intellectual Property & Digital Trade
• Elizabeth Mboya — Intellectual Property & Digital Trade
• Irene Makau — AI Governance & Digital Trade Policy

Finance, Markets, Agriculture & Inclusive Trade

• Kevin Stanislas Gbadoe — Agroeconomics & Rural/Community Development
• Chido Muza — Agricultural Trade & Food Systems
• Inzillia Sasi — Agri Investment & Finance
• Harun Githinji — Market Intelligence & Trade Data
• Sinethemba Mazibuko — Trade & Development Finance
• Martha Chimilila — Gender & Inclusive Trade