“…a lawyer who really connects can spark hope and even help heal wounded spirits.”– Ndi Nancy Saibo
Ndi Nancy Saiboh is a distinguished civic leader, governance advocate, and the Executive Director of Actions for Development and Empowerment (ADE), a dynamic youth-led organization based in Cameroon. With over a decade of experience in civic leadership, policy advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, Nancy has dedicated her life to amplifying citizen voices – particularly those of women and young people – in governance, public accountability, and development processes.
With a background in law and a profound commitment to human rights and social justice, Nancy has led ADE to implement impactful initiatives across Cameroon, addressing themes such as democratic governance, human rights education, environmental sustainability, and civic technology. Her leadership continues to position ADE as a trailblazer in youth engagement and participatory governance in the region.
Nancy also serves as the Country Lead for Follow The Money Cameroon, a citizen-driven initiative that promotes transparency and accountability in public finance. Through this role, she has empowered dozens of youths and civil society actors to track public spending and demand accountability in health, education, and infrastructure projects across multiple regions in Cameroon.
Her contributions have earned her national and international recognition. In 2024, Nancy was awarded the Youth Civic Engagement Award by the Cameroon National Youth Council, acknowledging her tireless efforts to cultivate a culture of youth participation in democratic processes. She was also recently appointed as Treasurer of the Conseil du Nouveau Sommet Afrique-France (CNSAF), where she plays a key role in fostering collaboration and dialogue between African civil society and institutional actors within the Africa-France framework.
In addition, Nancy was selected as the official Voice of the Ambassadors for Green Earth Action Day 2025, a continental initiative mobilizing youth for climate action and environmental justice across Africa. In this role, she amplifies the collective efforts of young climate leaders and helps steer public engagement on environmental sustainability.
Nancy’s expertise has made her a sought-after speaker and facilitator across Africa. She has participated in and moderated high-level panels on governance, political participation, gender equity, climate justice, and youth leadership, including engagements with institutions such as the African Development Bank, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), and various regional think tanks and international organizations.
Above all, Nancy is passionate about inclusive governance and creating platforms for young people and grassroots communities to shape public discourse and policy. Her work inspires a new generation of African changemakers committed to equity, transparency, and sustainable development.
- The driving force for choosing the legal profession.
Ndi first noticed things were amiss when she saw how everyday injustices played out in her neighbourhood in Yaounde, Cameroon, with people missing out on basic rights simply because they lacked the know-how or the means to fight back. That realisation hit her hard and pushed her to action. Thus, studying law felt like the obvious next step to turn things around. Ndi never ended up practicing law in the usual way, but her legal training underpins everything she is doing now. It also changed how she viewed the world, sharpened her sense of fairness, and gave her tools to stand up for change. Knowing that the knowledge she has acquired over time has enabled her to empower others to find their voices and stand up for those who might otherwise be overlooked keeps her going daily.
- Qualities of an exceptional lawyer and how young professionals can cultivate the attributes.
A standout lawyer these days starts by showing real care and sticking to core honesty. It is not just about burying oneself in legal rules, there is something essential about tuning into the personal stories behind each case. In most instances, a lawyer who really connects can spark hope and even help heal wounded spirits. This mix of skill and warmth really counts. For those just starting out, Ndi would say: “Keep that spark of curiosity alive, and do not lose your modesty along the way. The world is shifting fast, and one must come to terms with the changes. Often, listening more than talking turns out to be the best move. And do not be surprised if insights come from unexpected sources even from folks outside your field. Remember, knowing why you do what you do really does shape the whole journey.”
- Next groundbreaking project or initiative and possible impacts.
The Actions for Development and Empowerment (ADE) is preparing to launch an initiative called “Justice at the Grassroots.” It is about bringing legal literacy to rural communities, where people often do not have access to legal resources or information about their rights. The idea is simple but powerful: when people understand their rights, they are better equipped to protect themselves and demand accountability. The ADE will be working with local leaders and volunteers to create safe spaces for dialogue and offer legal education sessions. Ndi believes this project has the potential to create ripple effects helping communities become more informed, confident, and resilient.
- Role Models and books with huge impacts.
One person who has had a profound impact on Nid is Fatou Bensouda, the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Her courage and resilience in pursuing justice on a global scale have deeply been inspiring to her. She reminds her that standing for what is right often comes at a cost but it is always worth it. As for books, “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn opened her eyes to the transformative power of investing in women and girls. It reaffirmed her belief that when women are empowered, we change communities. Another book she has been reflecting on lately is “The Courage to Lead” by R. Brian Stanfield. It is a beautiful reminder that leadership starts from within, and that real change begins when we lead with authenticity and courage.
- Advice or guiding principles for young legal professionals and advocates trying to find their place and purpose in the legal terrain.
Ndi’s advice to young legal professionals is this: “Your path does not have to look like anyone else’s. Whether you end up in a courtroom or on the frontlines of community advocacy, your work matters. And even on days when it feels hard, remember why you started. Stay true to your values. Integrity will open doors that talent alone cannot. Be kind – to others and yourself. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge and support you. And never stop learning; the law is alive, and so is the world around us. Most importantly, believe that your voice can make a difference because it can, and it will.”
Click here to read our previous African Legal Millennial, Alfred Eli Kwasi Dei.
