2025 is off to a powerful start for the Kofi Annan Foundation, with leadership announcements, new projects, and opportunities to drive impact. We stand firm in our belief that international cooperation, driven by values of justice and solidarity, democracy and youth leadership are key to unlocking solutions to our common challenges.
We’re pleased to announce the launch of three new projects—The Sawa Project in Eastern Africa, Rooting for the Future in Lebanon, and Digitalise Youth—designed to empower young changemakers in areas ranging from mental health to social cohesion and disinformation.
The Sawa Project
Strengthening community-led efforts to improve mental health awareness, services and policies across Eastern Africa.
Mental health conditions represent 16% of the global burden of disease and injury among young people aged 10-19, according to the WHO. In Africa—the world’s youngest continent, with a median age of just 19.7—this challenge is especially pressing. We proudly announce The Sawa Project with our partners MCW Global and Africa Alliance of YMCAs.
The project, which is funded by the Wellcome Trust, will engage with professionals and young people active in the field of mental health to equip them with training, resources and networks to ensure mental health is a priority in Eastern Africa.
Rooting for the Future
Empowering Lebanese youth through cultural heritage restoration to foster social cohesion and employability
Lebanon has faced several wars and one of the most severe economic crises, with youth unemployment and inter-communal tensions persisting. The region’s rich cultural heritage, including the Citadel of Tripoli, is under threat due to neglect and conflict.
Supported by ALIPH, Rooting for the Future will engage with youth in the restoration of a major historical site while equipping them with technical and professional skills. Using cultural heritage as a foundation for dialogue and collaboration, young people from diverse backgrounds will work together to promote social cohesion in their communities.
Digitalise Youth
Empowering local youth activists and civil society organisations in the Sahel and neighbouring regions.
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Digitalise Youth Project, part of the Digital Democracy Initiative, which aims to address the shrinking civic space and rampant disinformation in the Sahel and neighbouring regions by empowering local youth activists and civil society organisations.
Launched in January 2025, Digitalise Youth is led by a cohort of organisations, including the Kofi Annan Foundation, and focuses on enhancing digital skills, promoting civic tech solutions, and raising awareness about online political engagement.
“I am convinced more than ever that any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind.”
Kofi Annan
