“Africa’s problem is not a lack of resources, but a lack of leadership.” It is in response to this observation that the NGO EPIK Leaders launched, on Saturday, April 26 at ENCG Casablanca, the very first edition of Africa Future Leaders Day 2025. A day focused on an innovative and sovereign Africa, bringing together decision-makers, business leaders and pan-African actors to identify, train and propel a new generation of leaders. Everyone has already marked their calendars for a second edition in 2026.
More than 400 participants from 15 African countries, from Côte d’Ivoire to Guinea via Senegal, responded to the call. This massive turnout reflects a shared will: to build an Africa driven by its young talents, inspired by their dreams, commitments and visions for the future.
Co-organized by EPIK Leaders and ENCG Casablanca, this event is part of the dynamic initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of African youth, skills development, and South-South cooperation.
Training leaders differently!
Training tomorrow’s leaders goes far beyond just delivering theoretical knowledge. EPIK Leaders has launched an innovative and tailor-made training program focused on practical learning, collective experience and the development of transversal skills.
“The key principle is to step outside the traditional academic framework to develop these skills and learn how to work in a team,” explains Mahmoud Cherkaoui, President of EPIK Leaders, in a statement to Le Matin.
Spread over a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on each participant’s academic background, this program combines several complementary formats: in-person seminars, e-learning sessions, personalized coaching, as well as summer universities.
Already, 30 EPIK Leaders affiliate clubs are active in various public and private institutions, with 50 more in development. Each club becomes a learning ground where young people organize events, immerse themselves in the professional world, seek funding, and receive tailored support.
The ambition is clear: to spread this model to all Moroccan universities and, ultimately, reach high schools to instill a spirit of leadership from adolescence. To this end, an army of 600 coach-trainers has been mobilized. “Our African youth simply needs guidance and confidence,” adds Mahmoud Cherkaoui.
To strengthen its action, EPIK Leaders relies on major institutional partnerships. Agreements have been signed with Ibn Zohr University, Technopark, and ENCG Casablanca to support the development of a skills-building movement for young African professionals.
Technopark, with its experience supporting 500 Moroccan startups, will assist young talents through its Boost Up Lab program, supporting their tech projects from the pre-incubation phase.
“Technopark will connect these young aspiring leaders with its ecosystem of successful startup founders already exporting at the African level, to share their experiences. Projects identified during the campus tour will be supported, particularly in entrepreneurship and tech development,” emphasizes Elhassania Sebti, Director of Support Programs at Technopark.
Concentrix, another key partner, shares this vision: “Our strength today lies above all in our people. Everything that contributes to better training and supporting our talents in a constantly evolving world, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, strengthens our commitment to being fully invested in this initiative,” says Redouane Mabchour, General Manager of Concentrix Maghreb, emphasizing the need to combine education, innovation, and social responsibility.
Under the slogan “Together, Let’s Shape Africa’s Future”, the event placed shared responsibility and creative boldness at the heart of its vision.
The next event is already scheduled: the second edition of Africa Future Leaders Day will take place in Dakhla, to continue this mission of bringing forth a new generation of builders for the African continent.
A look back in pictures at the highlights of our morning:
