Thursday 6 August 2026
13:30–15:00 UTC | Online

Bringing together participants from across Africa and beyond to explore how locally grounded forms of public deliberation might contribute to more resilient, inclusive and accountable political institutions.

Gilbert A. Ang’ana — Kenya Gilbert A. Ang’ana is a Kenyan leadership, governance and public policy scholar and practitioner. He is Dean of the School of Leadership, Business and Technology at Pan Africa Christian University and founder of Accent Leadership Group and Accent Global Initiative. He holds a PhD in Organisational Leadership from PAC University. As a 2024–25 Policy Leader Fellow at the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance, he examined collaborative leadership and the autonomy and mutual dependence of the executive, legislature and judiciary in Africa, with a focus on stronger, more accountable and resilient public institutions.

Brian Ncube — Zimbabwe Brian Ncube is a dynamic political communicator, youth leader, and media entrepreneur recognized for his work in leadership, storytelling, and youth empowerment. He currently serves as the Deputy National Spokesperson of ZAPU, where he shapes the party’s public messaging and national narrative. His political journey is centered on youth mobilization, having served as Bulawayo Province Youth Chairman, Interim National Youth Chairman, and National Youth Chairman between 2017 and 2021. Beyond politics, Brian is Founder and CEO of Ekasi Magazine, an award-winning media house, and Founder of the Ekasi Digital Skills Training Programme which equips youth with digital and media skills. An accomplished writer, he won the 2019 Intwasa Short Story Competition. He is also a U.S. leadership exchange alumnus and a dedicated Scouting leader, having served as Provincial Scouts Commissioner from 2022 to 2025.

Masutane Modjadji — South Africa Masutane Modjadji is a South African journalist and strategic communications specialist who serves as Head of Strategic Communications at Just Share, a non-profit organisation using responsible investment and sustainable finance to advance social and environmental justice. She has worked across African civil society, including in digital communications and citizen journalism. She holds journalism qualifications from CPUT and the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg. A former Policy Leader Fellow at the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance, her work examines digital transformation, inequality, media literacy and misinformation in South Africa.

Sam Ifeanyi Hart — Nigeria Sam Ifeanyi Hart is a Nigerian lawyer, public administrator and political adviser who serves as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. His professional experience spans government, strategic leadership, public communication and engagement with political and civic actors. He has contributed to discussions on accountable leadership, youth participation and institutional development, and is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program. His work provides a perspective on democratic governance from within Nigeria’s federal legislative environment and on the practical relationship between political leadership, institutions and citizens.

Fadumo Abdi Ali — Somalia Fadumo Abdi Ali is a Somali governance and policy professional specialising in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and state-building. She serves as Managing Director of WomeNet and has experience working with both the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia. Her work has included supporting policy discussions, electoral and political transitions, coordination with international partners and engagement with civil society, women, young people, media and academia. She brings substantial experience of inclusive policymaking and the challenges of building responsive institutions in a complex political environment.

Natnael Feleke Aberra — Ethiopia Natnael Feleke Aberra is an Ethiopian economist, writer and human rights advocate, best known as a co-founder of the Zone 9 bloggers’ collective. Through online commentary and civic engagement, he has addressed governance, constitutional rights, social justice and economic affairs. His experience has made him a prominent voice in discussions on freedom of expression, digital rights and civic space in Ethiopia.

Cheikhna Habib — Mauritania Cheikhna Habib is a Mauritanian youth leader and alumnus of the United States’ International Visitor Leadership Program. His work and international engagement have focused on youth empowerment, civic leadership and the contribution that younger generations can make to their country’s development. Through exchanges with public institutions, civil society leaders and other emerging leaders, he has explored approaches to strengthening participation and creating opportunities for young people. He brings to the discussion a Mauritanian perspective on leadership, institutional development and the relationship between citizens and public decision-making.