Thione Niang is an iconic figure of the new generation of African leaders. Born in Senegal, he migrated to the United States at the age of 18 with very little, only to climb the ranks of the American political sphere. A former advisor to the Obama administration, he is renowned for his powerful oratory skills and his tireless commitment to youth empowerment. He is the co-founder of the Akon Lighting Africa initiative, a revolutionary project that has provided solar electricity to millions of households across Africa. Through his organizations, Jeunesse Action (Give1 Project) and the Thione Niang Group, he invests in entrepreneurship development, agriculture, and political leadership. As the author of several books, he is a sought-after global speaker, advocating for the return of the diaspora and the "reappropriation" of the African destiny by its own citizens.