Young Leaders. Real Impact. Kano.
The Global Shapers Community-Kano Hub is a community of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers driving meaningful change in one of Nigeria's most dynamic cities.
Who We Are
We are the Kano Hub; a city-based chapter of the Global Shapers Community, a World Economic Forum initiative present in over 400 cities worldwide.
For over thirteen years, we have brought together young leaders in Kano to build skills, deliver community projects, and raise youth voices on the issues that define our generation.
We are not a youth group. We are not a networking club. We are a community of people who believe that the best solutions to Kano’s challenges already exist within Kano’s people.
Part of a global network of 450 Local hubs in 140+ countries.
What we Work On
We focus our energy where it matters most across the six Global Shapers Community impact areas that shape the future of our communities.
Protect the Planet
Protect the Planet
We champion environmental action in Kano; from conversations about climate resilience and desertification to sustainable practices that make sense in our local context.
Reskill for the Future
Reskill for the Future
We prepare young people in Kano for a rapidly changing economy through skills training, internships, digital literacy, and access to opportunity.
Strengthen Civic Engagement
Strengthen Civic Engagement
We build a more informed and participatory Kano; from voter education campaigns to youth-led governance conversations and advocacy for accountability.
Create Inclusive Communities
Create Inclusive Communities
We work to ensure that every voice in Kano is heard; through programs that champion gender equity, human rights, and the dismantling of harmful social barriers.
Improve Health and Wellbeing
Improve Health and Wellbeing
We address Kano's health gaps through community-facing programs; from blood donation drives to HPV awareness and mental health advocacy.
Deliver Basic Needs
Deliver Basic Needs
We respond to vulnerability in our communities through humanitarian action; from clothing drives to book donations and direct support to those most in need.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai
Founding Curator, Global Shapers Community - Kano Hub
Where it All Began
The Kano Hub was founded in 2013 by Salihu Tanko Yakasai, who saw in this city something the world was not yet paying enough attention to; a generation of young Kano leaders ready to shape something bigger than themselves.
“The global shapers community is globally impacting lives through local actions, one community at a time.” — Founding Curator, Global Shapers Community Kano Hub, 2013
More than a decade later, that belief has grown into a community of 82 Shapers, 26+ projects, and a network that spans the city and connects to the world.
Annual Blood Drive
Shapers in the Community. Blood on the Ground.
Every year, Kano’s hospitals face critical blood shortages. Every year, the Kano Hub shows up. Our annual Blood Drive connects voluntary donors with hospitals in need, turning community goodwill into life-saving action.
[X] units collected | [X] donors screened | Running since 2013
Impact Area: Improve Health & Wellbeing
Annual Blood Drive
The Blood Drive holds annually in partnership with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and Murtala Muhammad ...
Community Champion For Nigeria
Dr. Shuaib Sani Shuaib currently serves as Community Champion for Nigeria and member of the Nigeria Region Advisory Group of the Global Shapers Community. In this role, he supports 17 hubs across Nigeria, strengthening leadership, collaboration, and community impact among young leaders nationwide.
A former Curator of the Kano Hub, Dr. Shuaib’s journey with the Global Shapers Community began after four application attempts; a story that continues to inform his commitment to persistence and access within the network.
“My commitment is to serve and help build a stronger network of young leaders across Nigeria and beyond.”
2026/2027
Current Curatorship Team
Khadija Jebu
Deputy Curator
Sumayya Tofa
Curator
Fatima Gidado
Impact officer
Our Partners
We build with people, not just for them. These are some of the organizations and individuals who have stood with the Kano Hub.
Every year, Kano’s hospitals face critical blood shortages. Every year, the Kano Hub shows up. Our annual Blood Drive connects voluntary donors with hospitals in need, turning community goodwill into life-saving action.
Partner With Us
We work with organizations that share our values and want to invest in Kano's future.