9 March 2011, 06:00 p.m.

The World Economic Forum today announced 190 Young Global Leaders (YGLs) for 2011 from 65 countries, of which 15 hail from Africa. They have been selected for their outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments and commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world. The fields they represent range from government, academia, business, media, non-profit organisations and arts & culture. The selection committee, chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan selected this group from a list of almost 5,000 candidates worldwide.

The 2011 honourees will become part of the broader Forum of Young Global Leaders community that currently comprises 668 outstanding individuals. The YGLs will convene at an annual summit to be held in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, on 12-16 September 2011. They are currently all actively engaged in their communities, integrating into events organized by the World Economic Forum, hosting events of their own, as well as launching and leading a number of innovative initiatives.

Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, said "The challenges faced by the next generation of leaders are more daunting and intractable than ever and cannot be mastered with the current set of strategies, institutions, standards and attitudes. To address these challenges in a meaningful and sustainable way requires fresh thinking, multi-stakeholder engagement and dynamic new ways of collaborating to develop innovative solutions that are truly global. Recognizing this need, in 2004, I created the foremost platform for young leaders to engage in global affairs to shape a more positive, peaceful and prosperous society. Within the World Economic Forum community, the Young Global Leaders represent the voice for the future and the hopes of the next generation. I am particularly proud of this year's honourees who make up the most diverse class of YGLs ever."

The complete list of YGLs from Africa:

Egypt: Tamim Khallaf, Diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt

Ethiopia: Bethlehem TilahunAlemu, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SoleRebels

Ethiopia: Dagmawi Woubshet, Assistant Professor at Cornell University

Kenya: Ory Okolloh, Founder of Ushahidi 

Nigeria: FunmiI Yanda, Broadcaster, Journalist, Columnist and Blogger

Nigeria: Folasha deLaoye, Group Managing Director of Hygeia Group

Senegal: Magatte Wade, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Tiossano Tribe

South Africa: Avril Halstead, Chief Director, Sectoral Oversight at the National Treasury of South Africa

South Africa: Vuyo D. Kahla, Group Executive, Advisory and Assurance, Sasol Limited

South Africa: Basetsana Kumalo, President of the Business Women's Association of South Africa

South Africa: Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, Executive Chairman of Krazyboyz Digital

South Africa: Tebogo Skwambane, Director and Founding Partner of North Road Consulting

Tanzania: Elsie S. Kanza, Economic Adviser to the President of Tanzania

Tanzania: Susan Mashibe,  Executive Director of Tanzanite Jet Centre Ltd

Zambia: Jacqueline Musiitwa, Managing Partner and Founder of Hoja Law Group