Three Malawians will be in a group of approximately 120 young African leaders traveling to the United States of America to attend a three-day President's Forum with Young African Leaders from August 3.

President Obama will host a town hall meeting at the White House with these young leaders to discuss their vision for transforming their societies over the next fifty years.

This follows an observation by president Barrack Obama a year ago in Ghana that "we must start from the simple premise that Africa’s future is up to Africans."

The trio; Thembi Grace Thadzi, Felix Limbani and Tamara Kapichira-Banda are one a presidential advisor in the Malawi Developmental Advisory Council, two the Director of Programs, Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO) and three an HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Counselor with Banja la Mtsogolo.

The President's Forum with Young African Leaders presents a unique opportunity for Africans and Americans to learn from one another and collaborate to develop innovative solutions to the challenges which confront the continent, as well as to create strategies for seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.

A statement from the US Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi says the forum is an occasion for young leaders from civil society and the private sector in over 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa to come together with American government, civil society, and the private sector to share their visions for the future.

“The Forum will also reinforce mutual responsibility and mutual respect as the foundation of the relationship between and among African countries and of the partnership between Africa and the United States, and civic engagement as a catalyst for opportunity and building a better future,” reads part of the statement.

Additionally, the visit will also in a year when seventeen sub-Saharan Africa countries will have celebrated fifty years of independence.  

The gathering is to help the young people together with American counterparts alongside U.S. government officials are expected to share insights on key themes of youth empowerment, good governance, and economic opportunity.  

In addition to the town hall meeting with the President, the forum will include small-group discussions on topics such as transparency and accountability, job creation and entrepreneurship, rights advocacy, and the use of technology to empower individuals and communities.  

The African participants will have an opportunity to meet with grassroots service organizations to share experiences and strategies.