By Anne Ellisbr AECOM Vice President, Global Initiativesbr br With 60 of Africa’s population under the age of 35, it’s recognized that today's youth will shape the continent's future. The leaders of this generation will help make the decisions that will propel economies, seed growth and prosperity, and strengthen democratic institutions.br br AECOM made a bold demonstration of support of Africa’s young leaders. The firm donated nearly US$300,000 to support the development and execution of the Presidential Precinct’s Academic and Leadership Program for 25 Mandela Washington Fellows of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) — an effort by President Obama’s administration to help guide Africa’s most-promising young leaders. In addition to financial support, AECOM executives and clients participated in the delivery of the Fellows' six-week Academic and Leadership Program.br br I partnered with AECOM's Joe Wambia, managing director, finance, global programs & Africa, in leading the company’s engagement in the program.