Founder & Chief Executive Officer
James Ruzii Gonwokay
Founder of AYCADO, established in March 2024 to help young people across Africa turn learning into practical, professional capability.
- Role
- Founder & Chief Executive Officer
- Organization founded
- March 2024
- Organization
- AYCADO


James Ruzii Gonwokay
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Africa Youth Career Development Organization
Contact the CEOjamesruzii@aycado.org
Founder's vision
A generation prepared, not only educated.
James Ruzii Gonwokay founded AYCADO with a straightforward conviction: young people across Africa are capable, ambitious and willing to work, but too rarely given the practical preparation that turns study into professional ability.
His vision for the organization is an accessible platform where young people learn, practise, gain real experience and grow into professionals supported by mentorship, exposure and opportunity rather than left to find those things alone.
Why AYCADO was established
Because the gap is structural, not personal.
AYCADO was established in March 2024 to address a gap that repeats across countries and institutions: education concludes, and young people are expected to already possess professional skills, experience and confidence that no part of their preparation was designed to build.
Rather than treating that gap as an individual failing, AYCADO treats it as something an organization can deliberately close through training, practical learning, mentorship and youth led projects.
Leadership philosophy
Build carefully, and be honest about the stage.
The organization is led on the principle that credibility is earned through delivery. AYCADO commits to what it can genuinely provide, states plainly where it is in its development, and grows its programmes as its capacity grows.
That approach shapes everything from programme design to how this website is written: no invented achievements, no borrowed credibility, and no promises made on behalf of young people who are trusting the organization with their time.
Message to young people
“Learning becomes more valuable when people have the opportunity to apply it. Do not wait to be chosen before you begin building your ability learn, practise, take responsibility for real work, and let your capability speak for you.”
AYCADO's mission
What the organization exists to do.
To empower young people and young adults through accessible, practical and relevant career development, professional training, skills building, mentorship, experiential learning and development opportunities that prepare them for employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and meaningful participation in society.
AYCADO's vision
Where the organization is heading.
To become a leading African youth career and professional development organization that equips young people with the skills, experience, confidence and opportunities necessary to build meaningful careers and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
Contact the Founder & CEO
Write directly to James Ruzii Gonwokay.
jamesruzii@aycado.org
Get involved
Build this with us.
AYCADO is early, deliberate and open to institutions, employers and professionals who want to invest in young African talent properly.
