Empowering a Generation - Maryben Omollo’s Transformative Role as Vice President of AfYEF

Introduction

Ambassador Maryben Omollo, a celebrated mental health and leadership coach, international keynote speaker, and founder of the Maryben Foundation, has spent her career championing empowerment, inclusion, and innovation. Since August 2022, she has served as the Vice President of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF), a role that has allowed her to influence youth entrepreneurship across 52 African countries. In this capacity, Maryben has become a driving force behind the continent’s youth-led economic transformation. Her leadership is not only strategic but deeply personal—rooted in her belief that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its young people.

Strategic Leadership for Sustainable Growth

As Vice President of AfYEF, Maryben works closely with the President and executive leadership to shape the federation’s strategic direction. Her focus is on sustainable economic development, youth empowerment, and the realisation of AfCFTA’s promise to create a single, borderless African market. She plays a key role in designing and executing action plans that align with the federation’s mission to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. Her leadership ensures that AfYEF remains agile, responsive, and impactful in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Designing Programs That Equip and Inspire

Maryben’s influence extends beyond policy into the practical realm of program development. She has led the creation and implementation of innovative initiatives that equip young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. These programs focus on business development, digital literacy, financial management, and leadership training. By tailoring content to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African youth, Maryben ensures that each initiative is relevant, accessible, and transformative. Her work has helped thousands of young people transition from aspiring entrepreneurs to confident business leaders.

Advocacy and Policy Development

A key part of Maryben’s role involves working with governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to advocate for youth-friendly policies. She is a vocal proponent of inclusive economic frameworks that prioritise access to capital, education, and markets for young entrepreneurs. Her advocacy has contributed to the development of policies that reduce regulatory barriers, promote innovation, and support youth-led enterprises. Through her efforts, AfYEF has become a respected voice in policy circles, influencing decisions that shape the future of entrepreneurship across Africa.

Quantifiable Impact Across the Continent

Maryben’s leadership has yielded measurable results. Under her guidance, AfYEF has successfully mobilised over 20,000 youth entrepreneurs across Africa. These young leaders are now driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to their local economies. She has also facilitated more than 100 mentorship and knowledge-sharing programs within the federation. These initiatives have strengthened collaboration among members, fostered peer learning, and built a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her ability to translate vision into action has made her a cornerstone of AfYEF’s success.

Building Partnerships for Greater Impact

Recognising that collaboration is key to sustainable development, Maryben has forged strategic partnerships with international organisations, development agencies, and corporate sponsors. These alliances have expanded AfYEF’s reach and increased funding for youth-focused initiatives. Through these partnerships, the federation has been able to scale its programs, enhance its visibility, and deepen its impact. Maryben’s diplomatic acumen and relationship-building skills have positioned AfYEF as a trusted partner in the global development space.

Lessons to Learn

Maryben Omollo’s work at AfYEF offers several important lessons for leaders, policymakers, and aspiring changemakers:

1. Youth are not the future—they are the present: Investing in young entrepreneurs today is essential for sustainable economic growth.
2. Policy and practice must align: Advocacy must be backed by actionable programs that deliver real results.
3. Mentorship is a multiplier: Equipping one young leader can inspire and empower many more.
4. Partnerships amplify impact: Collaboration across sectors enhances reach, innovation, and sustainability.
5. Leadership is service: True leadership is about creating opportunities for others to rise.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s role as Vice President of the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation is a powerful example of leadership in action. Her work is not confined to boardrooms or policy papers—it is felt in the lives of thousands of young Africans who are now building businesses, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the continent. Her journey reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing African youth, as well as an unwavering belief in their potential. Through her strategic vision, tireless advocacy, and compassionate leadership, she is helping to build a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Africa. Maryben’s story is a reminder that when leaders invest in people—especially young people—they invest in progress. Her legacy at AfYEF is not just one of programs and policies, but of lives changed and futures reimagined.