Malabo, March 30, 2025 – Youth leadership and entrepreneurship in Equatorial Guinea are gaining momentum with the launch of the US-EG Leadership Fellowship Programme, an initiative supported by the U.S. Embassy in the country. In a global landscape where innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of development, the program aims to equip young leaders with strategic tools to design sustainable projects and expand their impact both locally and internationally.
The opening ceremony featured a presentation by Jacinta Viñel Abeso, the program coordinator, who welcomed the 30 selected participants and outlined the core pillars of the training: business management, access to financing, and network development. With an approach aligned with international standards, the program’s objective is clear: to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to Equatorial Guinea’s economic and social transformation, ready to compete in global markets.
The event brought together prominent figures from the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the public sector, emphasizing the crucial role of youth leadership in building resilient economies. Sesé Sité, Director General of Youth, highlighted the need for investment in education to ensure young people’s integration into international innovation networks. Elías Ondo, Director General of Civil Society, underscored the key role of civil society in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. A representative from the Directorate General of Vocational Training emphasized the importance of technical education in the digital age, while a Public Diplomacy Officer from the U.S. Embassy reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to youth empowerment, aligning the program with global initiatives that promote knowledge diplomacy and talent exchange.
Additionally, Cristian Eteo, a member of the training team, presented the program’s hands-on and participatory methodology, inspired by international leadership and entrepreneurship models. This set the stage for another key moment of the event: a high-level panel featuring influential figures from the entrepreneurial and institutional ecosystem, including the founder of Woomax, the Public Relations Director of EGLNG, a representative from the International Monetary Fund in Equatorial Guinea, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labor, the founder of Dreams Hub, and a representative from Don Bosco Youth Center.
Participants engaged directly with these key industry leaders, gaining valuable insights as the panelists shared their expertise and perspectives on the future of entrepreneurship in the country. The discussion centered around the critical question: What is the way forward for young people after the program?
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With a curriculum aligned with global trends and the support of key stakeholders, the US-EG Leadership Fellowship Programme is emerging as a strategic training platform, positioning Equatorial Guinea within the global entrepreneurship agenda. This initiative not only strengthens the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem but also connects young talent with opportunities beyond national borders, preparing them to integrate into the 21st-century digital economy.