Ousmane Kabre is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and global change-maker recognized as one of the leading voices in reimagining access to education and youth leadership across Africa.
He is the Founder and CEO of Leading Change Africa and Yam Education, Inc., two mission-driven organizations transforming education and leadership development on a global scale. As CEO of Leading Change Africa, Ousmane has led the organization to surpass its 2030 goal five years early—impacting over 1,500 young Africans through scholarships, leadership training, and mentorship programs. The organization now aims to reach one million youth by 2050 through its innovative leadership pipeline model, designed to turn young people into agents of change in their communities.
Through Yam Education, Ousmane is bridging the education gap by partnering with accredited U.S. community colleges to offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certifications to students in Africa and underserved regions globally. His vision is transforming how international students access affordable, quality education, with a special focus on health care, business, and technology pathways.
Ousmane holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In recognition of his impactful work, he was featured in the Wisconsin School of Business’s “8 to Watch Under 40” list, highlighting alumni making significant contributions in their industries.
A sought-after speaker on grit, resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Ousmane is a member of the National Speakers Association. His compelling personal story—from growing up in Burkina Faso to building global education ventures—has inspired audiences across the U.S., Africa, and beyond.
His clients and partners have included Ernst & Young, LLP, the Wisconsin School of Business and Madison College. Ousmane is currently leading strategic initiatives to expand Yam Education’s offerings to include an international nursing program, creating pathways for African students to become licensed and practice in the United States, helping solve the global health care workforce crisis. He is a frequent contributor to discussions on mindset, resilience, grit, leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation and his work has been recognized for its transformational impact at the intersection of education, technology, and business innovation.
Testimonials for Ousmane Kabré:
“We are profoundly grateful that Ousmane Kabré, a passionate and dedicated member of our Cooke Alum community, delivered such a moving keynote at our annual Scholars Weekend. This event marks a pivotal moment for welcoming our newest Scholars before they embark on their university journeys, and Ousmane’s message could not have been more timely. With grace and authenticity, he reminded our Scholars that they belong, that their dreams are valid, and that they have the power and determination to achieve the impossible. His words lit a fire of belief that will stay with them for years to come.” – Gabriella Nicholas, Program Manager, Alumni Engagement
“Your keynote was extraordinary. Hearing each step of your journey—and the people who helped you along the way—was both moving and relatable. Your story about the sponsor who helped fund your education reminded me of my own life-changing moment, when someone I had just met gave me an opportunity that altered the course of my career. Listening to you reminded me of the incredible ripple effect of kindness. I am deeply grateful I was in the room to hear you speak.” –
“Ousmane is the kind of speaker who awakens something inside you. In just a short talk, he created a dynamic energy for change that left me feeling both empowered and responsible to act. I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose—ready to make a difference in the world, one small step at a time.” – Lisa Noble