Africa's next
generation,
leading now.
The Now Generation Network convenes young African leaders shaping the continent — across business, government, civil society and the arts — to debate the future, learn from each other, and build it together.
A continent's now, not its tomorrow.
Africa is the youngest continent on earth — and the leaders shaping its next chapter aren't waiting their turn. They are already here.
Founded in 2008 by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the Now Generation Network brings together a curated community of Africans aged 25 to 40 who are driving change in their fields: founders, ministers, scientists, artists, investors, civil-society leaders and public intellectuals.
Members convene at the annual Ibrahim Governance Weekend, collaborate year-round on commissioned research, mentor one another, and contribute their voices to the Foundation's work on governance, leadership and the African future.
NGN is not a conference or a club. It is a working network — for the people who are already doing the work.
Four pillars. One network.
NGN members don't just attend — they convene, debate, mentor and publish. Every pillar is a way of putting the network to work for the continent.
The Governance Weekend
A biennial gathering in a different African city — heads of state, scholars and NGN members in one room, on the record.
NGN Debates & Forums
Working sessions where members take on the hardest questions facing the continent — from the NGN Debates to Foundation forums.
Peer Mentorship Programme
Year-long mentorship pairings inside the network. Senior members mentor newer ones through the member portal.
Research & Advocacy
Members contribute to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Forum reports and op-eds that shape continental policy.
The people doing the work.
Members on what the network makes possible — in their own words, from Foundation programmes and convenings.
“The NGN allows African youth to be heard in all development issues that affect the continent and beyond. The opportunity to dialogue with fellow African leaders is opportune and rare.”
Read on mo.ibrahim.foundation →“I engaged with experts and contributed to discussions on some of the defining challenges of our era. We collaboratively identified key areas for addressing complex challenges to democracy and governance.”
Read on mo.ibrahim.foundation →“I had the privilege of interacting and networking with fellow youth leaders from across the continent. I learned new concepts and approaches to youth issues and social challenges affecting our communities.”
Read on mo.ibrahim.foundation →How you join the network.
Membership is by nomination and invitation. The process is rigorous on purpose — what holds the network together is the calibre of the people in it.
- 01
Nomination
Current members and Foundation partners nominate candidates aged 25–40 demonstrating exceptional leadership in their field across the African continent or diaspora.
Rolling - 02
Selection panel
The NGN Steering Committee reviews nominations twice a year. Criteria: track record, integrity, and the contribution the candidate can make to — and draw from — the network.
Spring & Autumn - 03
Invitation & induction
Successful candidates are invited to the next Governance Weekend, paired with a mentor and welcomed into working groups aligned to their expertise.
By invitation - 04
Active membership
Members commit to active participation, peer mentorship, and contributing to the network's published work. Tiered involvement reflects each member's capacity to engage.
Ongoing
Recent thinking.
Highlights from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation — governance data, Forum convenings, and network programmes.
New Africa-based event to promote the Ibrahim Index of African Governance
The Foundation announces a biennial IIAG launch event and an updated rhythm alternating with the Ibrahim Governance Weekend from 2026 onwards.
2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance — report and key findings
The most comprehensive dataset measuring governance performance across 54 African countries over the latest available decade.
2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend, Marrakech
Three days on Financing The Africa We Want — Forum discussions, ceremony, and NGN convening alongside African leaders.
Don't wait for the next generation.
Be it.
NGN membership is by nomination. If you're aged 25–40, working at the leading edge of African leadership, and a current member or Foundation partner can speak to your work — we'd like to hear from you.