Nigeria’s growing influence in youth leadership and continental engagement received fresh recognition on the international stage as Alan Adeboye was honoured at the 2026 Iconic Africa Summit and Honours in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Adeboye, who serves as Special Envoy on Youth Affairs at the International Forum for Peace and Diplomacy, received the Youth Leadership Advocacy Award during the summit’s grand ceremony held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre on Friday, February 13. The event drew a wide range of influential participants, including policymakers, diplomats, development partners, youth leaders and private sector stakeholders representing 54 countries across Africa.
The award acknowledges Adeboye’s sustained commitment to strengthening youth participation in leadership and development conversations across the continent. His work has focused on encouraging young Africans to play more active roles in governance, entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration.
Organisers of the summit noted that his initiatives continue to advance youth inclusion while building networks that connect young leaders across national boundaries.
The Iconic Africa Summit, convened under the theme “The Africa We Want: Sustainable Development; Everyone’s Responsibility,” provided a platform for discussions on Africa’s economic future, regional integration and the role of young people in shaping sustainable progress. Conversations at the gathering also examined opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area, with particular emphasis on empowering the continent’s youthful population to drive innovation and economic growth.
Adeboye’s recognition came during a ceremony attended by senior government officials and continental stakeholders. The award was presented by Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, alongside the country’s Minister of Youth Affairs, Tinoda Machakaire.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Adeboye described the award as a tribute not only to his work but also to the potential of Africa’s young population.
“I am receiving this honour as a symbol of the power and promise of African youth,” he said. “I remain grateful to the organisers for this recognition. My commitment is simple and clear: to champion youth inclusion, drive sustainable development and ensure young Africans are not just participants in our future but leaders shaping it.”
He added that stronger partnerships and coordinated action across the continent would be essential to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s youth.
“Together, through strategic partnerships and purposeful action, we can build a continent where youth potential translates into lasting impact,” Adeboye said.
The recognition highlights the increasing visibility of African youth advocates who are working to shape policy conversations and development strategies across the continent, reinforcing the growing role of young leaders in Africa’s transformation.
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