Ingashipola Lucas’ dedication to empowering youth

Chris Kaukemua
  • 1 Day Ago
Ingashipola Lucas (25) is a Namibian youth development advocate with six years’ experience working to advance democracy, champion youth leadership and strengthen sustainable communication systems within youth institutions.



A prolific public speaker, he has addressed audiences both locally and internationally. His contributions to youth development were recognised in 2019 when he received a civic leadership award from YouLead Africa, a US-based organisation, during the International Youth Awards.



Lucas holds a diploma in legal studies from Triumphant College of Namibia and currently serves as executive director of the Youth Alliance for Leadership Development in Africa (YALDA).



He is also a board member of the African Youth Council. His leadership has been recognised by the council, which named him one of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region’s leading young minds under 35.



Guided by the philosophy that societal problems are inevitable but individuals must rise as solutions, Lucas believes in leadership that transforms communities. He began public speaking in Grade 7 as head prefect of his primary school club, inspired by some of the world’s leading speakers.



As a civic educator, Lucas has promoted democratic values, active citizenship and human rights across diverse communities.



He has trained community members, school learners and tertiary students, empowering them to participate responsibly in civic life.



His work was recently recognised with an honorary doctorate in youth leadership and civic education by Global Open Nation University in 2025.



Strengthening democratic culture



Lucas has also worked closely with government and educational institutions, delivering training programmes to strengthen democratic culture.



As a governance and youth development consultant, he has served the African Youth Council for four years, collaborating with government officials, international organisations and regional bodies.



His experience includes supporting the SADC Youth Forum, YouLead Africa, Upskills Africa and the National Collaborative Board of Namibia.



He is also known as a transformative speaker who has addressed audiences on democracy and foreign policy. In addition, he has worked as a communication and events management consultant, helping youth organisations develop strategies to enhance brand visibility and global reputation.



Through YALDA, Lucas has led efforts to equip individuals with 21st-century leadership skills and foster platforms for engagement.



The organisation contributes to thought leadership through evidence-based research and serves as an incubator for innovative ideas. Under his stewardship, YALDA continues to position itself as a ­catalyst for leadership, excellence, and ­sustainable development across Africa.