The next wave of global leadership will emerge not from traditional powerhouses like Silicon Valley or London, but from the slums of Nairobi, the towns of Uganda, the villages of India, and other overlooked regions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Drawing from my experience working with young people across Africa, I’ve witnessed a powerful and growing movement of under-resourced yet remarkably driven youth who are coding, innovating, and solving real-world problems — often without any institutional backing.
The raw intelligence, creativity, and resilience I have witnessed in these communities are nothing short of extraordinary.
Many of these young people live in poverty, yet their vision is global. They innovate not because it is trendy, but because it is necessary for survival.
I challenge conventional thinking that links leadership potential to geography, wealth, or access to elite education.
Adversity breeds character, practical innovation, and scalable ideas; these traits are increasingly essential in today’s complex global landscape.
Africa Does Not Support Innovators
Despite this potential, many young innovators remain chronically undervalued – ignored by investors, underpaid by employers, and unsupported by policymakers.
Africa doesn’t always recognize the extraordinary worth of its own people. Too often, the focus is on foreign aid and charity instead of strategic investment in local talent.
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The world still undervalues brilliance simply because of where it is born.
At Maser Group, this belief has guided investment strategies, directing capital and mentorship toward emerging markets and underserved communities, not out of charity, but in recognition of untapped innovation.
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We are investing in young entrepreneurs in places others overlook. Because that is where the real future lies. The future is not being built only in corporate towers.
It is already being written in garages in Accra, internet cafes in Dar es Salaam, and shared workspaces in Kigali.
Call to Govts & Investors
This is a powerful call to action for governments, investors, and business leaders: recognize, respect, and invest in the next generation – no matter where they come from.
To the youth, you are not defined by your poverty. You are not defined by your geography. Your resilience, your hunger, and your ideas – they will shape the future.
The Writer, Prateek Suri, is the Founder and CEO of Maser Group
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