ISAAC SOMTO
NIGERIA, 19
He/Him
Project: Imaginact
As a writer, Isaac noticed young Nigerians didn’t have an adequate platform to share their stories. In October 2018, he launched an idea to promote the work of young African writers. Isaac soon expanded his idea into a movement, giving a voice to any young person wanting to make change. In December 2019, he transformed the movement into Imaginact – a nonprofit organization that empowers, amplifies and inspires actions for positive impact, helping young Africans realize their ideas into solutions. Imaginact workshops, trainings and partnerships with local organizations enable young people to build grassroots movements that address key social issues such as gender equality, civic engagement and health. Isaac further carries out his original mission through Vocal Africa – Imaginact’s digital platform that shares the stories of young African writers; and he offers young people the chance to explore and discover their passion for change by partaking in Broach – an Imaginact initiative that creates awareness and leads conversations among African youth about societal and political issues, and relevant policies. Imaginact has engaged 2,000+ teens with their initiatives and garnered 50,000+ readers on Vocal Africa. In 2021, Isaac received the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA SBL) Innovation Hub Award and was invited to speak at their 15th Annual Business Law Hybrid Conference in Lagos. Isaac intends to grow Imaginact into a global hub for young people to work together and turn their ideas into action