The YALI program stands out in Obama’s legacy

BY PHILBERT AGANYO

A political strategist

Under Obama with regards to Africa, the only significant support is the Young African Leaders Initiative, in all its three facets which are the four Regional Learning Centers, Mandela Washington Fellowship, and the YALI Networks Online Community. Military & Infrastructure is almost zero and was more clandestine in nature (The African Command in Djibouti).

The Next US president should focus more on trade and investments. Opening up the US markets for more African products—textiles at EPZs, coffee and tea, while also supporting directly more entrepreneurs. A program like YALI, but with a focus on ideas and areas that directly impact Africa, should be opened up. Of course, stringent visa rules should also be loosened, especially for those going to study and return home.

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Philbert Aganyo is a political strategist and governance expert, and a project management professional. A graduate of Political Science and Public Administration, he’s the founder and chairperson of Kisuri Youth Development Group, a movement of youth and vulnerable women, conducting advocacy against retrogressive cultural and social trends among rural youth and women through community-based micro financing, agribusiness, and climate action. He is based in Nairobi, Kenya.