Yacine Djibo : the rising voice of Africa
Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, embodies the dynamic and committed leadership needed to catalyze social change in Africa. From her beginnings as a business analyst in the United States to her pioneering role in the fight against malaria and neglected diseases on the continent, she combines strategic vision with concrete action to promote sustainable development and gender equality.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in business administration from Boston University, Yacine Djibo began her professional career in the United States as a business analyst, where she helped streamline business requirements by bridging operations, customer services, and systems. In 2002, she decided to return to her home country, Senegal. There, she held the position of Commercial Director in a real estate company before becoming Secretary General and CEO of an insurance company in 2004.
In 2010, driven by the desire to dedicate her energy to a social mission, Yacine Djibo joined the American NGO Malaria No More as National Director in Senegal. She developed and managed programs aimed at promoting malaria prevention and treatment. Drawing from this experience, she co-founded Speak Up Africa in 2011 with her colleague Fara Ndiaye, aiming to design and implement effective and sustainable solutions to public health challenges in Africa.
Speak Up Africa: Promoting female leadership
« Based in Senegal, Speak Up Africa is an organization dedicated to building an Africa where growth and sustainable development are driven by African citizens themselves, » explains Yacine. Speak Up Africa’s team gathers, drives, and advocates for innovative solutions in areas such as public health, education, and the environment.
Through initiatives such as the « Zero Malaria! I commit » movement and the mobilization of the private sector with « Zero Malaria! Companies commit, » Speak Up Africa has made significant progress in the fight against malaria and neglected tropical diseases. The organization also supports the development of female leadership through mentorship programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of women in all aspects of society.
Creating inclusive spaces where the voices of women are heard and respected
Convinced that female leadership is essential for the continent’s sustainable development, Yacine Djibo is committed to empowering women and girls and creating inclusive spaces where their voices are heard and respected.
Through campaigns such as « African leadHers » and partnerships with organizations such as the African Basketball League, Speak Up Africa works for gender equality and the empowerment of women at all levels of society. « Empowering women to access leadership positions is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative to unleash Africa’s potential and build a fairer future for all, » she asserts.
Committed to establishing strong partnerships, Yacine Djibo sits on the board of several organizations, including the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the Sabin Vaccine Institute, and Nexleaf Analytics.
