Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, widely known by his stage name Patoranking, has been appointed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa. His two-year tenure will focus on championing youth innovation and enterprise development, particularly through the timbuktoo initiative, which aims to build the innovation ecosystem across the continent and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Role and Responsibilities
Championing Youth Innovation
As a Regional Goodwill Ambassador, Patoranking will primarily advocate for youth innovation and enterprise development. His role will involve promoting the timbuktoo initiative, a UNDP-backed project designed to create and support innovation hubs across Africa. These hubs, located in major cities such as Accra, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dakar, Addis Ababa, Kigali, Lagos, Nairobi, and Lusaka, as well as in various university innovation pods (UniPods), are integral to nurturing young talent and driving technological advancements.
Advocacy for Sustainable Development Goals
Patoranking’s advocacy will also extend to the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By using his platform and influence, he aims to mobilize support for sustainable investments that benefit the African youth. This involves not only creating awareness but also encouraging action towards closing the gap between opportunity and investment on the continent.
Patoranking’s Previous Contributions
The Patoranking Scholarship
Patoranking is no stranger to Africa’s innovation ecosystem. In 2020, he launched the African Leadership University (ALU) Patoranking Scholarship. This initiative has provided ten fully paid scholarships for promising students from across Africa to attend the prestigious African Leadership University in Rwanda and Mauritius. The scholarships aim to empower young Africans by providing them with high-quality education and opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Patoranking is currently finalizing scholarship offers for the next batch of students, which will cover three-year degree programs.
Tech Scholarships with ALX Africa
In May 2024, Patoranking further expanded his efforts by launching the Patoranking Foundation Tech Scholarships. This groundbreaking partnership with ALX Africa aims to empower 40 exceptional young minds by providing them with access to cutting-edge technology education and career-ready training. This initiative is designed to equip young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
Statements from Key Figures
Patoranking’s Vision
“Empowering African youth by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive is a cause close to my heart. I step into this role to lend my voice to important initiatives that hold immense potential to change development for many of our people through innovation and technology driven by the ingenuity and ambition of the continent’s majority – the young people,” said Patoranking.
UNDP’s Perspective
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“Creatives are incredibly important to the evolving story of Africa. They bring something more than money—they bring authenticity, dignity, confidence, and influence. We look forward to working with Patoranking as the UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa as a champion for youth innovation and timbuktoo, where he will use his talent to advocate and create opportunities for others,” said Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa.
Impact and Future Prospects
Mobilizing African Youth
Patoranking’s unique craft and voice, which resonate with a diverse audience across Africa and beyond, will be instrumental in rallying young people to create African solutions. As the Regional Goodwill Ambassador, he will use his creative influence to advocate for the attainment of SDGs in Africa. His efforts will focus on mobilizing a critical mass towards sustainable investment, bringing the majority of African youth into the conversation, and inspiring innovative action that helps in closing the gap between opportunity and investment.
Building the Future
Patoranking’s appointment as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador underscores the importance of involving influential figures in promoting sustainable development. His commitment to youth empowerment and innovation highlights the potential for creative industries to drive significant change in African markets. By leveraging his platform and reach, Patoranking is poised to make a substantial impact on the future of Africa’s youth and its innovation landscape.
Conclusion
Patoranking’s new role as a UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa is a significant step towards advancing youth innovation and enterprise development across the continent. His advocacy for the timbuktoo initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals will play a crucial role in empowering young Africans and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem. Through his efforts, Patoranking aims to inspire the next generation of African leaders and innovators, driving progress and sustainable development in the region.
