Dear Friends of PiAf,

Amidst the many transitions that are occurring in our world at this time, I take great pride in bringing you the steady, consistent, and impactful work that is being accomplished at Princeton in Africa. Our cohort of dynamic, talented, and dedicated young leaders continue to serve as shinning examples of how to respectfully and professionally engage in a manner that contributes to healthy and thriving communities. We remain immensely proud of their tireless effort and passionate commitment.

Below, you will hear from three dynamic young women who are members of our current fellowship cohort. With several months now behind them, Jackie, Claire, and Joyce have each immersed themselves into their fellowships and are making significant contributions in three unique African countries: Rwanda, Ghana, and Tanzania. Their reflections and photos represent the incredible work that they have accomplished in collaboration with their host organization partners, as well as the additional ways they have enriched their experiences by participating in local activities. 

Over the past several months, our team has kept incredibly busy reviewing applications for our upcoming fellowship year. In total, over 400 young people applied to participate with Princeton in Africa for our 2025-26 fellowship cohort. This number represents individuals from 190 different universities, both U.S. accredited and African institutions, and 28 African countries. Such incredible volume continues to highlight the interest amongst young people to live and work in Africa, as well as the significance of our program as the premier provider of post-graduate fellowships across the continent. 

I am also pleased to share that we have made tremendous progress in preparation for our upcoming 25th Anniversary gala, which will take place on April 23rd in NYC. In addition to highlighting many individuals who have contributed to PiAf's growth and success, we are beyond excited to celebrate with our honorees: Meg Whitman, former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, and Gbenga Oyebode, co-founder of the prestigious African law firm, Aluko & Oyebode. Additionally, we are honored to have Mary Maker, South Sudanese Refugee Education Activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, as MC for the event. More information on this incredible event can be found by scanning the QR code below or by clicking here. 

After 25 years of growth and impact, Princeton in Africa’s energy and activity is thriving. We remain inspired by the young people who actively seek to participate with our program, as well as our resilient host organization partners who continue to make  tremendous contributions across multiple industries. As you read the Fellow reflections below, please recognize the invaluable role that you play in helping these young people build lasting connections while honing their leadership skills. On behalf of the entire team at Princeton in Africa, thank you for your ongoing commitment to our work and mission!

Sincerely,

Damilola Akinyele Wolfgarten, Executive Director

LETTERS FROM THE FIELD

My name is Jackie Namala and I work at Rwamagana Leaders’ School (RLS) as a Career Services and Program Development Fellow. RLS is a private, boarding secondary school that serves senior 1 to senior 6 students, or 7-12th graders. Its aim is to educate vulnerable children around Rwanda and to prepare them for future leadership. The two main ways this is pursued, respectively, are through the scholarship program and the mandatory leadership program, iLead. As a result, RLS students represent not only diverse socioeconomic backgrounds but also religions and nationalities.

During the recent US college application season, I provided comprehensive support — from personal statement writing to financial aid applications — to a total of twenty students, eight of whom were recent graduates and twelve of whom are current seniors. Additionally, I have been managing the school’s reading program, which occurs twice a week and involves each of the 310 students reading individually or collectively in their assigned reading group.

I've been surprised by the following components of my fellowship: 1) The authentic kindness of the RLS staff; 2) The quality of the food provided to both teachers and students; and 3) The invisibility of bureaucracy. Due to my interest in international development, I have had the privilege of working in other countries, namely, Colombia and Uganda. Though my Ugandan workplace had a similar culture to its counterpart in Rwanda, the latter has been exceptional. My colleagues are very welcoming and show up when it counts the most (e.g. when someone has a child or loses a loved one, we collect money to support them). In the same vein, the administrative team is quite accessible and friendly. When it comes to nutrition, I am amazed by the options available to the RLS students, which far outweigh what I had access to while studying at private boarding schools in Uganda. As part of my senior thesis research in the 2023-2024 academic year, I highlighted the detriment that hunger among both teachers and students played on learning outcomes in Ugandan public schools. Therefore, RLS' effort in this regard is notable. 

The Rwandan social sphere has challenged me in a fun and uplifting way. My fellow community members love going to the gym, partaking in group sports such as running, and watching/playing football (soccer) — all things I am interested in but not yet avidly. I recently joined a Catholic choir that sings during masses at different churches in Kigali and I am looking forward to the friendships and exploration it will foster for me. I have also been enjoying karaoke Thursdays at a local cafe, which is always a blast! And last but not least, Rwamagana has an abundance of avocadoes and ibitoki (green bananas) and I feel so blessed to have two of my favorite foods within reach and at such cheap prices.

It is unbelievably coming to my sixth month mark in Rwanda. But I have not been feeling the passage of time…

I dream of a world that supports our climate, cultures, and communities. My commitment to this high-impact work connected me with financial inclusion causes and the shared missions of Princeton in Africa and Pangea Africa. Since embarking on my fellowship based in Accra, Ghana, I have discovered how strategic investment in sustainable agriculture can transform communities and build a more resilient future.

At Pangea Africa, where I serve as an Investment Pipeline Officer, I work at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, climate innovation, and financial empowerment. Our mission extends beyond traditional funding—we're building ecosystems of opportunity by identifying high-potential agricultural enterprises and preparing them for critical investment. Through enhancing the investment readiness of SMEs and connecting them with impact investors, development finance institutions, and venture capital firms, we're helping shift West African agriculture from subsistence to a productive, profitable, and climate-smart sector.

This vision came to life through one of my most impactful projects—a USAID-funded initiative to support access to finance for agri-SMEs which involved measuring the carbon sequestration potential of maize and soya farms in northern Ghana (Tamale). In Tamale, I conducted on-site surveys and collected critical data, helping farmers understand their baseline impact as they continue climate-smart practices and communicate climate impact to potential investors.

My journey in Ghana has expanded beyond professional growth into deep cultural exchange. Traveling by tro-tro across the country to places like Wli Falls (Volta Region), Cape Coast (Central Region), Akosombo (Eastern Region) and Busua (Western Region) has connected me with Ghana's beautiful environment and landscapes. Moreover, I’ve connected with Ghana’s vibrant creative community. Local cinematographers, photographers, and artists are reshaping narratives about African creativity, while organizations like the Ghana Food Movement demonstrate how culinary traditions can be powerful vehicles for food sovereignty, sustainability and cultural expression.

Through this fellowship, I've witnessed firsthand how innovative finance can catalyze sustainable development and support local communities. As I continue my work with Pangea Africa, I remain dedicated to creating a world where strategic investments transform agricultural landscapes, preserve cultural heritage, and build climate-resilient communities—one investment, one farm, one story at a time.

Dar es Salaam is a stunning city on the coast of the Indian Ocean. With its vibrant natural beauty, clear blue waters, and white sandy beaches, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work and live in this amazing city. Coming to Dar es Salaam right after the anti-government Finance Bill protests in Kenya, often called the Gen Z protests, brought me into frequent discussions about politics and governance. People were curious about what sparked the protests, who organized them, and the enthusiasm Kenyan youth showed in holding the government accountable.

At Megnacio Company Limited, my role focuses on helping the company grow its market share. Megnacio is an agri-commodity trading business that connects farmers to international markets. With an established presence in East Africa, Europe, and Asia, my responsibilities include deepening market access, improving go-to-market strategies, and streamlining operations to ensure smooth service delivery.

Beyond work, I’ve embraced the local culture. Coming from Kenya, a neighboring country, I noticed subtle differences and similarities in language and traditions. Conversations with locals and visitors helped me better understand these cultural nuances, making my stay even more enriching.

Exploring the city with my co-Fellow has also been a highlight. We discovered Mbudya Island, just a 40-minute boat ride from Dar es Salaam, which quickly became our favorite spot to relax. I’ve also visited Bagamoyo, a town rich in history, and traveled to Mtwara and Moshi for work. Before the end of my fellowship, I hope to visit two iconic national parks—Ngorongoro and the Serengeti—to experience Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife. Tanzania has so much to offer and I am excited to discover even more throughout the remainder of my time here!