Leadership is not just about taking charge. It is about collaboration, vision, service, and the courage to learn alongside others. Cohort 8 of the KAFI program has been a powerful demonstration of this truth. Across different African countries, cultures, and time zones, young leaders stepped forward to guide their groups, coordinate ideas, and deliver impactful presentations rooted in teamwork and shared purpose.
This spotlight celebrates the Cohort 8 group leaders, individuals who embraced responsibility, uplifted their teams, and emerged with sharpened leadership skills and renewed commitment to advancing financial literacy across Africa. Their stories reflect unity in diversity, discipline in collaboration, and growth through collective effort.
Jonathan Bottoman – Malawi
Group 1 | Cohort 8
For Jonathan Bottoman, leadership in Cohort 8 was shaped by the quality and commitment of the people around him. Working with motivated, disciplined, and goal-oriented leaders pushed him to grow beyond his comfort zone and refine essential leadership skills.
Jonathan’s experience emphasized the importance of coordination and networking, two pillars of effective leadership. Through structured collaboration and shared responsibility, he learned how leaders thrive not in isolation, but through meaningful connections with others who share a common vision.
“Working with leaders who are committed, motivated, and well disciplined has helped me boost my leadership skills. I have learnt to coordinate and network, which is the best and greatest experience ever.”
Group 1’s journey showcased how discipline and mutual respect can create an environment where leadership flourishes naturally. Jonathan’s growth reflects the power of surrounding oneself with people who challenge, inspire, and elevate one another.
Cecil Muhalule – Kenya
Group 2 | Cohort 8
Cecil Muhalule stepped into leadership with confidence and clarity, guiding Group 2 through their online KAFI presentation. His role demanded not only technical coordination but also the ability to unite voices across borders into a single, coherent message.
Leading a virtual team strengthened Cecil’s skills in teamwork, virtual coordination, and cross-African collaboration. Navigating online platforms while maintaining engagement required adaptability, patience, and clear communication, skills essential for modern leadership.
Beyond the presentation itself, Cecil’s leadership was anchored in purpose. He reaffirmed a strong commitment to implementing financial literacy education in African schools, using collaboration and student engagement as key drivers of change.
“I led Group Two’s online KAFI presentation, strengthening teamwork, virtual coordination, and cross-African unity, and committing to implement financial literacy education in African schools.”
Cecil’s experience highlights how leadership can transcend geography, proving that shared goals can unite diverse teams into a powerful force for impact.
Abima Swabiri – Uganda
Group 3 | Cohort 8
Leadership for Abima Swabiri was rooted in collaboration and trust. Working with knowledgeable and committed members from across Africa, Group 3 demonstrated the strength of shared responsibility and collective planning.
One of the defining moments for Group 3 was holding an online planning meeting on the eve of their presentation, a bold decision that turned into a major breakthrough. By distributing responsibilities among all 12 members, the group ensured that every voice mattered and every contribution counted.
“Sharing responsibilities across all the 12 members and holding online planning meetings on the eve of presentation was a great breakthrough in Group Three.”
Abima’s leadership experience reinforced the value of inclusivity and acknowledgment. Her appreciation for her teammates reflects a leadership style that recognizes effort, celebrates teamwork, and inspires continued commitment.
She closed her reflection with encouragement for fellow leaders spearheading financial literacy initiatives in their respective countries, reminding everyone that the journey continues beyond Cohort 8.
Moses Liyali – Zambia
Group 4 | Cohort 8
For Moses Liyali, representing Group 4 was both a challenge and a transformative learning experience. Stepping into the role of presenter required clarity of thought, confidence in delivery, and the ability to synthesize diverse ideas into a unified vision.
Through this process, Moses strengthened his leadership, communication skills, and self-confidence. Coordinating group ideas pushed him to listen actively, value different perspectives, and ensure that everyone felt represented.
“Representing Group 4 strengthened my leadership, communication, and confidence, challenged me to coordinate ideas, listen actively, and present our collective vision clearly.”
Moses also emphasized the importance of teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect, qualities that sustained Group 4 throughout their collaboration. His experience reflects leadership as a balance between guiding others and learning from them.
Freddie Mkwayi – South Africa
Group 5 | Cohort 8
Freddie Mkwayi’s leadership journey with Group 5 was marked by energy, unity, and shared ambition. Leading the group’s presentation became a deeply transformative experience, fueled by a collective drive toward success.
Group 5 exemplified what happens when every member is fully invested. Collaboration was not forced, it was organic. Each individual contributed meaningfully, lifted others, and worked toward a shared outcome with enthusiasm.
“The collective drive for team success was palpable. Every member contributed, collaborated, and elevated each other, showcasing exceptional teamwork and camaraderie.”
Freddie’s reflection highlights leadership as a shared experience, where success belongs to everyone. His group’s camaraderie stands as a model of how trust and mutual support can elevate performance and strengthen bonds.
Rufaida Shirazu – Ghana
Group 6 | Cohort 8
Gratitude and collaboration defined Rufaida Shirazu’s leadership experience in Group 6. Her reflection centers on appreciation, for encouragement, teamwork, shared ideas, and the collective effort that made success possible.
Rather than focusing solely on individual achievement, Rufaida emphasized the power of collective learning. Group 6’s success was not the result of one voice, but many voices working together toward a common goal.
“I sincerely thank my group members for their contributions, encouragement, teamwork, and shared ideas, which made our collective success and learning possible.”
Her leadership perspective reminds us that impact is strongest when credit is shared, and growth is embraced as a group journey.
Alice Hachoofwe – Zambia
Group 7 | Cohort 8
For Alice Hachoofwe, representing Group 7 was an experience defined by unity, rigorous research, and respectful collaboration. The group’s strength lay in their commitment to shared learning, open dialogue, and problem-solving.
Alice highlighted how collaborative input and mutual respect created an environment where ideas flourished. Group 7’s approach demonstrated that leadership thrives when curiosity, discipline, and cooperation coexist.
“My experience representing Group 7 was defined by unity, rigorous research, shared ideas, and collaborative input, fostering an exceptional, respectful team committed to learning and collective impact.”
Her experience underscores leadership as a catalyst for collective excellence, where everyone is empowered to contribute meaningfully.
A Shared Legacy of Cohort 8 Leadership
Across Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, and Ghana, the leaders of Cohort 8 demonstrated that Africa’s future is in capable, collaborative hands. Despite differences in geography and background, these leaders were united by a common mission, advancing financial literacy and empowering communities through knowledge.
Their experiences reveal recurring themes. The power of teamwork. The importance of communication and coordination. Leadership as service, not dominance. Growth through shared responsibility. Unity across borders.
Cohort 8 was not just a learning program. It was a leadership incubator. The lessons gained, relationships formed, and confidence built will ripple far beyond presentations, shaping initiatives, schools, and communities across the continent.
As these leaders continue their journeys, one thing is clear. The seeds planted in Cohort 8 will grow into lasting impact.
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