By Joseph Okecha (Uganda)

In the framework of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Together for a New Africa (T4NA) presented its project: strengthening communities and empowering young leaders for the construction of a fairer Africa.

The Together for a New Africa (T4NA) program was created with a simple yet profound vision: empowering young Africans to confront the continent’s toughest challenges through a new kind of leadership one rooted in unity, co-governance, collaboration, and the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Instead of limiting leadership to theory, T4NA shapes it through lived experience, mentorship, training, and a community committed to responsible citizenship.

For our third and final summer school, we gathered at Mariapolis Piero, just outside Nairobi a place that feels almost untouched by time. The calm environment, fresh air, and quiet green spaces gave us room to think deeply about Africa’s struggles and, more importantly, its possibilities. Hospitality at the center was exceptional: timely meals, comfortable living spaces, and a warmth that made everyone feel at home. It was the perfect setting for reflection, growth, and honest conversations.

Sustainable Peace and the Democratic Challenge: Rethinking African Leadership

Our theme, “For Sustaining Peace in Africa: What Is Our Contribution?” set the tone for challenging but necessary discussions. We agreed that peace cannot survive if its root causes are ignored. Every major breakthrough in history was once considered impossible until someone dared to try. With that in mind, we were invited to think boldly and propose concrete, realistic solutions for the crises facing the continent.

One of the recurring concerns was the growing crisis within Africa’s democratic systems, which has fueled many of the recent uprisings. We asked ourselves hard questions: Is Africa truly ready for the Western democratic model? Can we redesign it to ensure smoother transitions of power? Among the suggestions was the idea of using our networks to promote deeper understanding of governance models, and to incorporate valuable lessons from traditional African methods of leadership selection into modern political systems. The idea was not to replace democracy, but to strengthen it with cultural wisdom.

Throughout the program, we were trained to evaluate every proposed initiative through the lenses of impact, feasibility, durability, innovation, and sacrifice reminding us that sustainable projects require more than passion; they demand commitment.

A memorable session was “Anchored in Wisdom, Rising in Hope” by Dr. Declan, where we explored hope as an anchor something that steadies us, lifts us, or, if misused, holds us back. He reminded us that God often intervenes in moments of deep desperation, and that keeping hope alive requires spiritual unity and inner strength.

As we concluded the summer school, we realized that this was not an ending but the beginning of real impact. Personally, many of us left with clarity on the need for economic empowerment understanding that meaningful change requires both vision and the financial capacity to pursue it. We committed ourselves to networking intentionally, collaborating on cross-border projects, and using our social capital to open business opportunities and support one another.

As a group, we agreed that T4NA needs a stronger long-term structure in every participating country. Beyond the tutor-and-participant model, we proposed establishing leadership teams with roles such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a committee to ensure continuity and communication. This structure would support sustainability and give young people real decision-making power not just a seat in the room, but a voice that shapes the future.

We also recommended an annual subscription fee for members and the legal registration of T4NA chapters in each country to increase legitimacy and operational capacity.

AFRONEB: Social Capital for Economic Impact

One of the most exciting achievements from this final gathering was the creation of a new platform: The Africa Network Business (AFRONEB). This initiative uses the T4NA social network as a form of economic currency, allowing members to support each other through referrals, shared services, and cross-border business opportunities. A portion of the profits from successful referrals will support T4NA national activities and joint country projects. AFRONEB is founded on the Economy of Communion and principles of inculturation making it both uniquely African and deeply collaborative.

T4NA has taught us that leadership is not about position. It is about purpose, unity, and service. Our journey does not end with the summer school; it begins with the resolve to change mindsets, strengthen communities, and build an Africa where peace, innovation, and shared leadership are not dreams but realities.