Abdoul Rasmane Maiga

A sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Information Systems at the University of Rochester (New York), Abdoul was born and raised in Burkina Faso, where he did his secondary study until grade 12th before getting admitted to the African Leadership Academy,(Johannesburg), where he completed his high school journey.

An Alumnus of the Pan African Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP), an intensive academic program offered by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Abdoul got the opportunity to explore themes such as entrepreneurship, youth Leadership and economic development in the United States. Given the precarious and unfavorable situation in studies, especially for the financially vulnerable students of his former school, Lycee Provincial de Kaya, Abdoul decided to act after participating in the PAYLP. He started in 2018 a social enterprise at school that focuses on helping vulnerable students meet their basic needs (books, tutoring sessions and food) and championing youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. With the US Embassy’s support, his Team led two entrepreneurship camps, empowering 100+ students.

Having studied African studies and Entrepreneurship at the African Leadership Academy, Abdoul has gained a solid understanding of Africa’s socio-political and economic landscape and challenges towards education and development. With a wide area of interest concentrated in technology and entrepreneurship, where he envisions having a long-lasting impact, he has joined GYLI as Chief technology Officer to drive tech-based projects to meet various technological needs of GYLI.