Sierra Leone’s has been named a Desmond Tutu Fellow. The young minister is in a “group of exceptional African leaders, who emerged from the more than 400 nominations received.”

His short byline reads: “Chernor serves as the Minister of Information and Civic Education for Sierra Leone, overseeing civic engagement initiatives and acting as the chief government spokesperson. An unwavering women’s rights leader and global activist, Chernor has notably co-founded and led Purposeful, a prominent Africa-rooted global women’s rights hub that champions the rights of girls and young people, impacting over 150 countries.  Appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General on several occasions, his expertise has informed high-level panels on global education, girls’ rights and youth peace and security”.

‍The African Leadership Institute is delighted to announce the Associates who have been selected for the 2024 Class of the Tutu Fellowship programme. It is a privilege to be welcoming this group of exceptional African leaders, who emerged from the more than 400 nominations received.

This year’s cohort includes associates from Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Their current endeavours span the domains of private business, public governance and civil society, and their areas of influence range from finance and technology to human rights and the arts.

This rich diversity of nationalities, professions and perspectives is a defining feature of the programme’s learning experience.  These associates demonstrate the incredible wealth and breadth of Africa’s leadership talent and the programme is committed to strengthening their capacity as catalysts for positive, transformative impact across the continent.

The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) focuses on building the capacity and capability of visionary and strategic leadership across the continent. Developing exceptional leaders representing all spheres of society, the Institute’s flagship programme is the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship.

Offering a multifaceted learning experience and run in partnership with Oxford University, it is awarded annually to 20-25 carefully chosen candidates, nominated from across Africa. Alumni of the African Leadership Institute form a dynamic network of Fellows passionately committed to the continent’s transformation, bridging the divide between nations and ensuring that Africa is set centre-stage in global affairs.

Chernor Bah serves as the Minister of Information and Civic Education for Sierra Leone, overseeing civic engagement initiatives and acting as the chief government spokesperson.

An unwavering women’s rights and global activist, Chernor has notably co-founded and led Purposeful, a prominent Africa-rooted global feminism hub that champions the rights of girls and young people, impacting over 150 countries. Before his ministerial appointment, he worked to transform the global development landscape, advocating for its decolonisation and fostering a more inclusive space for girls’ rights, global education and youth empowerment.

Appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General on several occasions, his expertise has informed high-level panels on global education, girls’ rights, and youth peace and security.

Academic and professional credentials: MA in International Peace Studies – University of Notre Dame
BSc in Political Science – Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone.