A visionary leader and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo has spent over a decade redefining democracy, electoral integrity, and youth inclusion across Africa. His groundbreaking #NotTooYoungToRun campaign shattered barriers, lowering age limits for political office in Nigeria and inspiring global movements for youth representation.
A trusted advisor to the African Union, International IDEA, and the Kofi Annan Foundation, Samson blends grassroots activism with cutting-edge innovation, spearheading pioneering research on AI in African elections and convening continental dialogues on tech-driven governance. Under his leadership, Yiaga Africa has monitored high-stakes elections from Ghana to the U.S., championed accountability, and trained Africa’s next generation of leaders.
Honored as a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper and Rising Democracy Leader (NDI), Samson’s accolades include the Future Africa Award and recognition among 100 Most Influential Young Africans. An Oxford-educated policy architect, he’s shaped electoral laws, advised governments, and earned prestigious fellowships from Desmond Tutu to Nelson Mandela leadership programs.
Why Read More?
Discover how a relentless advocate turned hashtags into laws, AI into a democracy tool, and youth power into a continental force, proving that Africa’s future is not just young, but unstoppable.
Thinking out loud: Unfiltered takes on power, progress, and the messy work of building a better democracy
