A conversation that ignites change: Leila Akahloun
Early this June in Marrakesh, Morocco, Leila Akahloun—Senior Advisor to Mrs. Graça Machel and a of the Graça Machel Trust’s leadership, was invited to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Governance Weekend, where she shared her insights on a critical topic: the Untapped Power of Portuguese-speaking Africa.
She joined visionaries such as Tarek Mouganie, CEO of Affinity Africa ; Djalita Fialho of the Pedro Pires Institute for Leadership; and Veda Sunassee of the African Leadership University. They explored strategies for unlocking the region’s vast leadership potential.
For Leila, the solution begins with reframing the narrative—from “brain drain” to “brain circulation.”Leila’s insight was clear: the African diaspora is not a loss but an untapped reservoir of potential.
With $54 billion in annual remittances flowing into the continent, what if even a fraction of these resources were channeled into structured investments—like Diaspora Investment Funds, Giving Circles, or Leadership Endowment Funds?
“Imagine,” she urged, “the impact if we strategically redirected these flows into leadership development, education, and infrastructure.” This vision aligns perfectly with the Graça Machel Trust’s mission—to unlock human potential, particularly among women and young people, and foster networks that drive systemic change.
Leadership rooted in humility and collective action
The panel was graced by the wisdom of H.E. Pedro Pires, the former President of Cape Verde, whose leadership earned him the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. His words resonated deeply: “We must envision the future we want—and ask ourselves what kind of Africans and allies we must become to build it.”
Leila drew inspiration from leaders pictured alongside her: former President Mary Robinson (center of the main photo, left panel), former Minister Aicha Bah Diallo (middle of the top-right trio), and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (right of that same top-right image), as well as H.E. Pedro Pires (seated in the bottom-right). Their humility and commitment to justice underscore a vital truth: principled leadership and collective action remain our strongest tools for achieving equity.
The Trust’s commitment to Lusophone Africa
The Trust has long recognised the unique challenges and opportunities in Portuguese-speaking Africa. Through initiatives such as GMT Women in Clean Energy and Climate Action network, pan- African Adolescent Girls’ Movement, Women in Media, and New Faces New Voices (NFNV) network, it supports women and girls in Lusophone countries. Leila’s role amplifies this work—bridging gaps, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that Lusophone voices are heard in continental dialogues.
Leila’s participation in the Ibrahim Governance Weekend served as a powerful reminder that by reframing the diaspora’s role, advocating structured investments, and centering women and youth, she and the Trust are helping pave the way toward a more inclusive, resilient Africa. She reminded us that “The Africa we want is within reach—if we act together.”
Watch the 2025 IGW highlights.