The COMENSA Legacy Programme, in partnership with the Sparks Impact Fellowship, is currently running a coaching and leadership development initiative that will support and coach 26 Sparks students and alumni through to November 2026. The programme is designed to strengthen the next generation of African changemakers by providing professional coaching, mentorship, leadership development, and personal growth support to emerging impact leaders. These students and alumni are based across South Africa and the broader African continent, including cities such as Nairobi and Harare. We would like to acknowledge the dedicated coaches involved in this initiative for generously giving their time, wisdom, and knowledge to help develop strong future leaders throughout Africa.

The Sparks Impact Fellowship is a purpose-driven talent development programme focused on strengthening the African social impact ecosystem by connecting high-potential young graduates with impact organisations across Africa. Through an 11-month structured fellowship, graduates (“Sparks”) are equipped with professional skills, systems thinking, impact measurement, storytelling, and leadership development before being placed within organisations as impact analysts, programme coordinators, and strategic support professionals. The organisation is led by its co-founders, Janine Rutsch and Rowan Spazzoli, supported by Aleya as Programme Manager and Mirriam as Programme Coordinator. Together, the team is creating meaningful pathways into the impact sector while building a more inclusive, capable, and connected network of future African leaders.

The Legacy Programme team would also like to formally acknowledge and thank the 12 COMENSA coaches who have committed themselves to this initiative. Their contribution, dedication, and willingness to invest their time, wisdom, experience, and guidance into these young leaders is helping shape a stronger future for leadership and impact work across Africa. Through their coaching, mentorship, and support, they are empowering the next generation of African leaders to lead with confidence, purpose, and meaningful impact.