Why Uhuru, Kalonzo will welcome the New Year 2026 in Nigeria
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, ahead of the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA) ceremony, where he is expected to deliver the keynote address and announce the winner of the prestigious Star Prize.
The annual awards recognise young Africans who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a positive impact in their communities through initiatives in education, youth empowerment, mentorship, innovation and social development.
Organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, an initiative of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, the programme targets young change-makers across the continent, typically aged between 16 and 23.
Each year, 10 outstanding finalists are selected from thousands of nominations across Africa.
Every finalist receives a $10,000 grant to support and scale their projects.
From the 10, one individual is named the Star Prize winner and awarded an additional $25,000, making it the highest honour at the awards.
Since its launch in 2013, the Future Africa Leaders Awards has supported over 110 young leaders from more than 28 African countries, disbursing an estimated $1.35 million in grants to initiatives addressing grassroots challenges such as access to education, environmental protection, youth skills training, food security and community development.
The awards ceremony, traditionally held in Nigeria at the end of the year, has previously featured prominent African leaders and public figures who have used the platform to call for greater investment in youth leadership and mentorship across the continent.
Kenyatta’s role at this year’s event will include setting the tone through the keynote address and unveiling the Star Prize winner, a moment regarded as the highlight of the ceremony.
His participation adds continental weight to the event, reflecting a growing focus on intergenerational leadership and the role of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s future.
He is accompanied to Lagos by former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka.
The organisers say the awards are not only about recognition but also about equipping young Africans with resources, visibility and confidence to expand their impact and inspire others across the continent.
