Maximising the World's Youngest Continent Through Education
By 2030, young Africans are expected to represent 42% of the world’s youth and make up 75% of Africa’s population under the age of 35. The power that this potential holds is unlike any other, but maximising this requires more than access to classrooms. Welcoming a panel of visionary leaders, this session explores innovative, inclusive, and future-focused approaches to education, and what is needed to ensure young people have the skills, creativity, and confidence to lead.
Speakers
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Sara BerkaiFounderSara Berkai
Founder
AmbessaSara Berkai is the founder of Ambessa, where she co-designs educational tools that inspire children to build and create. A first-generation student, she earned a MSc in Child Development from the University of Oxford and a first-class BSc from UCL. She has been recognised as Forbes 30 Under 30 in Social Impact, a UN ITU Young ICT Leader, and a BBC 100 Women honoree. Sara has lectured at UC Berkeley and MIT on co-design in education and serves on the advisory boards of UCL’s School of Management and SXSW EDU 2026. Ambessa partners with museums, schools, and parents globally through a one-for-one impact model, and has been featured in WIRED, the Financial Times, and Fast Company, as well as winning awards from Dezeen and collaborating with the Design Museum.
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Dr Tahirih DaneshCEODr Tahirih Danesh
CEO
Africa College Foundation (MII UK)Tahirih Danesh focuses on increasing enjoyment of socioeconomic rights and regeneration through private and third sector entities.
Raised and inspired by some of the most impactful figures who helped shape the rise of her land of birth, she has lived and worked with a third of the world's cultures. As a mother, she is particularly passionate about young marginalised and minority communities. She is a serial civic entrepreneur, a trustee of NGOs promoting education and health, serves as the Executive Director of a niche educational foundation for students in the west, and the Chief Executive Officer of a visionary South African foundation building the global hub for education and innovation on the youngest continent.
She seeks and welcomes opportunities to promote learning and earning through spoken and written words, but remains most passionate about elevating collective consciousness through practical approaches to complex processes.
Tahirih Danesh holds a PhD in law and has contributed to a range of publications, including in human rights, policy and education. -
Shudufhadzo MusidaHumanitarian, Author and Mental Health ChampionShudufhadzo Musida
Counsellor
Humanitarian, Author and Mental Health Champion
Shudufhadzo 'Shudu' Musida is an Author and Mental Health Champion, whose journey is
rooted in a deep commitment to humanitarian causes, shaped by her childhood experiences
and an unwavering desire to uplift her community. Crowned as Miss South Africa in 2020,
she transformed her title into a platform for meaningful change, dedicating her advocacy to
mental health and sustainable development. Shudu's journey is deeply rooted in her belief in
the transformative power of education. This belief was the bedrock of her academic pursuits,
culminating in a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
from the University of Pretoria, followed by an Honours degree in International Relations
from the University of Witwatersrand.
As the first Regional Champion for Eastern and Southern Africa with UNFPA, Shudu has
become a force for sexual reproductive health rights and mental health. Her impactful work
extends to the written word, with two authored books on mental health earning her
well-deserved recognition.
Beyond her humanitarian endeavours, Shudu merges her passion for modelling and the
entertainment industry. Highly selective about projects, she brings purpose to every initiative,
placing immense importance on mental health, both in her personal life and as a central
theme in her advocacy work. -
Enissa ItekaProgram AssociateEnissa Iteka
Speaker
Program Associate
UN WomenEnissa Iteka is a passionate Program Associate at the UN Women Liaison Office to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa. She specializes in program management, intergovernmental coordination, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Currently, she leads the implementation of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), which empowers young women in technology and leadership. She has over 7 years of experience advancing gender equality and youth empowerment across Africa, focusing on digital literacy, STEM education, and advocacy. Driven by a deep commitment to gender equality, Enissa has contributed to initiatives advancing women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and promoting women’s rights. She finds inspiration in seeing young women thrive and is dedicated to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.