The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Young Africans” for 2025. The accolade, part of the “League of Exceptionals” initiative, was conferred by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation (PAYLF), a prominent organization dedicated to empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders.
Commissioner Kaifala shared his gratitude on his official Facebook page, stating, “I am honored to be included in the ‘League of Exceptionals 2025,’ a prestigious compilation of the ‘100 Most Influential Young Africans,’ curated by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation.”
The 2025 edition of the Africa 100 awards ceremony took place on April 12 in Accra, Ghana. This year, the Foundation received nearly 5,000 nominations from 52 African countries. Following a meticulous selection process, 100 individuals were honored for their exceptional contributions across various sectors, including entrepreneurship, activism, governance, and innovation. Notably, the 2025 list achieved near gender parity, with 51% male and 49% female honorees from 26 African nations, marking a significant increase in female representation compared to the previous year.
Established in 2017 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation aims to cultivate a new generation of transformative leaders and entrepreneurs equipped to address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. Through mentorship, engagement, and recognition, the Foundation encourages youth to take proactive roles in shaping Africa’s development trajectory.
Commissioner Kaifala’s inclusion in the League of Exceptionals underscores his impactful work in anti-corruption efforts and public sector reform in Sierra Leone. His leadership has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability within Sierra Leone's governance architecture and this is one the hundreds of recognitions he has received for his remarkable work.
The Commissioner in his message, extended congratulations to his fellow honorees, stating, “Your outstanding achievements continue to inspire and drive change across the continent and beyond.”
The Africa 100 awards serve not only to recognize individual excellence but also to highlight the collective potential of Africa’s youth in driving the continent’s progress and development.
