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Hamse Hirsi Hayd is an investigative journalist, documentary producer, and digital rights advocate working at the intersection of media, youth engagement, and democratic accountability in the Horn of Africa.

He serves as Deputy Executive Director at CBA TV and leads Hayd Network, where he produces high-impact multimedia content focused on governance, transparency, climate resilience, digital rights, and civic participation. His work
amplifies underrepresented voices — particularly youth and young women — and promotes safe, informed participation in digital and public spaces.

Hamse has collaborated with regional and international partners on projects addressing digital literacy, online safety, youth political inclusion, and public interest storytelling. Through data-driven reporting and community-centered narratives, he contributes to strengthening democratic culture and responsible digital engagement in fragile and emerging contexts.

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Maïmouna Ba is a passionate humanitarian activist dedicated to transforming pain and hardship into strength and dignity for forcibly displaced women and children, as well as those from poor families in Burkina Faso and Africa. As a fervent defender of human rights, she has helped many women regain their financial independence, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and pride.

Her impact goes far beyond numbers. Every woman she helps represents a victory over adversity, and every child she brings back to school is a promise of a better future. Her unwavering commitment and profound humanity earned her the prestigious UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award in 2024 and the Young Activists Summit Award in 2023.

In a world often marked by indifference, Maïmouna BA, through the Maman Sahélienne Foundation, strives to be a powerful reminder of what compassion and action can achieve. She embodies the idea that even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of hope and the possibility of change and hope.

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Mohamud Elmi is a Garowe-based journalist and media professional with a strong focus on investigative and public interest reporting. His work centers on social issues, youth development, media ethics, and community resilience in Puntland. Through in-depth storytelling and research-driven reporting, he aims to amplify underrepresented voices and contribute to informed public discourse. Mohamud is committed to professional standards, accuracy, and impactful communication that supports social awareness and positive change.

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Haniya Ali Fersha is an Ethiopian journalist and social media influencer currently completing her final year of filmmaking studies. Driven by a resilient spirit and a unique personal perspective, she is passionate about merging her journalistic background with the creative technicality of film to produce high-quality, engaging digital content for her audience.

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Edmone Kaboré is a professional from Burkina Faso who is committed to promoting civic participation, women’s rights and youth engagement in West Africa. She works at the intersection of inclusive governance, human rights and digital technology, developing initiatives tailored to fragile contexts. As a content creator, she uses digital platforms to promote critical thinking, gender equality and digital rights among young people. She has collaborated with organisations such as NIMD Burkina Faso, Carrefour International and the Youth Initiative for Peace and Development on projects related to leadership, civic engagement, the empowerment of young people and women, and the promotion of peace.

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Maimun Abdirizak Khalif is the Founder and Head of Gender at SAVE YOUR DAUGHTER INITIATIVE, and engaged Independent Journalist and Content Creator based in Garowe, Somalia. Advocates for women’s rights, gender equality, democracy, and youth participation through media, civic engagement, and digital storytelling, amplifying community voices and promoting inclusive leadership.