Meet the Board is a series that introduces the people who help steward Africa Matters Initiative’s mission and long-term vision.

Through these reflections, we’re sharing the values, experiences, and perspectives that guide our governance and leadership — offering a window into the thinking that shapes AMI’s work today and the direction we’re moving toward.

In this reflection, we hear from Danai Nyagani, Board Secretary of Africa Matters Initiative, whose leadership is grounded in inclusive collaboration, youth agency, and the power of narrative in shaping Africa’s future.

Why Africa Matters Initiative

I have followed AMI’s journey since its inception, and what has consistently resonated with me is its commitment to transforming how young Africans see and engage with their communities through capacity building and collaboration. AMI’s multi-faceted and inclusive approach creates space for young Africans to actively shape the communities they are part of.

This work matters deeply because the narratives we promote about our communities influence national and global policies, investment decisions, and the opportunities available to future generations. By centring youth leadership and agency, AMI challenges deficit-based narratives and affirms that young people are capable of driving meaningful, community-rooted change.

As a youth-focused and youth-led organisation, AMI demonstrates what is possible when leadership is grounded in trust, inclusion, and collaboration. This strongly aligns with my own leadership approach, which prioritises working collectively, recognising that each of us brings distinct skills, perspectives, and lived experiences to the table.

What excites me most about AMI’s next chapter is the organisation’s continued growth through strategic partnerships and an expanding alumni community. Together, these networks ensure that AMI’s impact is sustained over time, while continuing to amplify youth voices as we collectively reshape the African narrative for future generations.

In Her Own Words

A Leadership Reflection

A book that inspires Danai: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho — a reminder that we are the authors of our own journeys, and challenges can become lessons depending on how we choose to see them.