Shifra Ainomugisha, a Ugandan social entrepreneur and young leader, has been named the 2026 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, the highest honour presented under the Commonwealth Youth Awards.
The award recognizes outstanding young changemakers from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states.
The accolade celebrates exceptional young leaders whose innovative solutions are advancing sustainable development and transforming communities.
Selected from thousands of applicants worldwide, Ainomugisha was first named the Africa Regional Winner before emerging as the overall global winner in recognition of her groundbreaking work in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy innovation.
Through Solafam Uganda Ltd, Ainomugisha is transforming livelihoods by integrating solar-powered irrigation and cold storage systems with artificial intelligence-driven solutions to improve food security among smallholder farmers.
Her work is helping to reduce post-harvest losses, increase agricultural productivity, and strengthen climate resilience in underserved communities.
To date, her initiatives have directly impacted more than 1,500 beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and technology-driven development.
“This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a validation of the work we are doing to build resilient communities and create lasting impact,” said Ainomugisha.
“It reflects the power of young people across the Commonwealth to develop solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognize young people who are making significant contributions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on measurable social, economic, and environmental impact.
As Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, Ainomugisha joins a distinguished network of leaders shaping the future of innovation, sustainability, and development across the Commonwealth.
