NGN member Manji Wilson selected for France's Future Leaders Invitation Programme

NGN member Manji Wilson has been selected to participate in the 2026 Future Leaders Invitation Programme (PIPA), a flagship initiative of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs that brings together emerging leaders from across Africa and France. 

Wilson, who serves as Chief Technical Adviser on Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements to the Governor of Plateau State, Nigeria, is the only Nigerian selected for the 2026 cohort. The programme recognises policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics and public sector leaders whose work is advancing governance, innovation, diplomacy and sustainable development. 

In his current role, Wilson leads efforts to strengthen international partnerships, attract development investment and expand diaspora engagement in support of Plateau State's development agenda. Prior to joining the state government, he spent more than a decade working on democratic governance and institutional strengthening initiatives, including programmes supported by the European Union in Nigeria and Kenya. 

The Future Leaders Invitation Programme aims to foster closer cooperation between France and a new generation of African leaders, creating opportunities for dialogue, policy exchange and long-term collaboration across sectors including governance, enterprise, education and innovation.