An Afrocentric book initiative founded on intergenerational knowledge-sharing began distributing in Dakar, aiming to provide 10,000 free copies across more than ten African countries.
DAKAR, Senegal, 10 October 2026: A Letter to My Younger Self, an Afrocentric book featuring personal letters from 17 African women leaders, was officially released on 10 October 2026. With a foreword by Angélique Kidjo, the publication brought together contributors from different countries, sectors and generations to share their experiences with young African women.
The initiative was launched by Aïda Diouf, Executive Director for Africa at Camusat Group and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader 2026. It was developed in collaboration with Nayé Anna Bathily, Head of External Affairs for West and Central Africa at the World Bank; Stella Fumey, Group Communications Director at Visa WCA; and Lamba Ka, a consultant specialising in women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship.
The first book distribution took place on Saturday, 10 October, at Lycée John F. Kennedy in Dakar, marking the start of a planned wider rollout. The initiative’s stated ambition was to distribute 10,000 free copies across more than ten African countries. Fraternité Matin’s report on the launch describes the 10,000-copy figure as a goal, not a completed distribution.
An Afrocentric book of letters from 17 African women leaders, with a foreword by Angélique Kidjo, began free distribution in Dakar on 10 October 2026.
Seventeen Women, Seventeen Personal Journeys
In the book, each contributor addressed the young girl she once was. Their letters explored defining moments, obstacles, doubts, achievements and lessons learned, offering younger readers perspectives on the experiences that shaped their lives.
The contributors included leaders working across literature, fashion, technology, finance, sport, education, the arts and civil society. Among them were Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy of Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa; Ons Jabeur, the first Arab and African woman to reach a Grand Slam final; Aisha Ayensu, Founder and Creative Director of Christie Brown; Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA; Aminata Kane of Visa WCA; and Hafsat Abiola, Founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy and President of Women in Africa Philanthropy.
By placing these accounts side by side, the publication sought to show that personal and professional paths were neither linear nor predetermined. It aimed to give young African women reference points to consider their own ambitions, including the possibility that setbacks could become sources of learning and change.
The book’s 17 contributors were:
- Djaïli Amadou Amal, Cameroon
- Aisha Ayensu, Ghana
- Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun, Morocco
- Germaine Acogny, Senegal
- Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Rwanda
- Angela Wamola, Kenya
- Claude Borna, Benin
- Hafsat Abiola, Nigeria
- Georgiana Viou, Benin
- Aminata Kane, Senegal
- Ons Jabeur, Tunisia
- Sefora Kodjo, Côte d’Ivoire
- Julienne Lusenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Coura Carine Sène, Senegal
- Paula Nascimento, Angola
- Thandiwe Muriu, Kenya
- Marie-Roger Biloa, Cameroon
Distribution Began at Lycée John F. Kennedy.
The first distribution at Lycée John F. Kennedy introduced the book to students in Dakar.
The programme announced ahead of the event provided 50 students with copies. It also included welcoming remarks from the school principal, a presentation by Aïda Diouf, a student contribution and a discussion with participants.
The school distribution set the stage for the initiative’s ambition to reach young women beyond the book’s commercial readership through free access and facilitated conversations.
An official launch evening was also scheduled for 10 October at Diotay, at the Sokhamon Hotel. The announced programme aimed to bring together 60 figures and stakeholders working on youth, education, and women’s empowerment, with journalist Oumy Ndour as host.
A Programme Intended to Continue Beyond Publication
The project was conceived as more than a book release. Through the ALTMYS association and its partners, the organisers outlined a longer-term programme of awareness-raising, distribution and dialogue. allAfrica’s coverage identifies ALTMYS as the non-profit handling free distribution.
Planned activities included community gatherings, reading sessions, and book-signing events designed to create opportunities to share experiences and build connections. Engagements in Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda were identified as part of the intended continuation.
The initiative’s broader purpose remains to encourage young women across Africa and its diaspora to recognise their potential, develop their personal and professional ambitions, and consider the futures they wish to build.
Partners Supporting Access and Knowledge-Sharing
HEC Paris Executive Education
HEC Paris Executive Education supported the project from its inception, contributing to its development and Afrocentric reach.
The partnership aligned with the institution’s work in training and supporting African talent and leaders, and with the book’s emphasis on leadership and knowledge transmission.
Shine to Lead
Shine to Lead was identified as a distribution partner for extending free access beyond Dakar through its network across Senegal’s 14 regions.
The association supports school-aged girls from modest backgrounds, particularly those pursuing scientific fields. The book was intended to serve as a reading and discussion resource for the girls it supports.
Les Cultur’Elles
Les Cultur’Elles was named as a partner in promoting the book during the fifth Dakar Women’s Book Fair, scheduled for 22 to 24 October 2026 at Place de la Nation. Le Soleil’s report on the fair confirms the dates, the venue and Les Cultur’Elles as organiser.
The fair’s announced theme, “Matrimony in Action: Inheriting, Writing, Transforming”, further framed discussion of women’s voices, creative work, and the passing on of knowledge.
Availability and Support for Free Distribution
The release materials announced bookshop and online availability from 10 October, including through Amazon. Listed prices were 150 MAD in Morocco and €17 in France.
The association designated proceeds from book sales and author royalties to support the free distribution of copies.
About A Letter to My Younger Self
A Letter to My Younger Self is a non-profit Afrocentric initiative dedicated to intergenerational knowledge-sharing and encouraging young African women.
Through personal letters, distribution programmes, and dialogue opportunities, it seeks to preserve and share the experiences of African women leaders. Its longer-term ambition is to develop a living archive across multiple languages, editions and formats, connecting personal testimony with future generations.
Press Contact
Journalists seeking interviews, press materials or opportunities for audiovisual coverage should contact TETRA AFRICA to coordinate access and arrangements.
TETRA AFRICA
Matthieu Hervé, Co-founder
Email: mherve@tetra.africa
Telephone: +33 6 63 04 87 73
Headquarters: 19A Rue de Brest, 35000 Rennes, France
SIRET: 844 612 838
Also Read:
