Burundi, Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Where Our
Leaders Serve
See below for information about the countries, written by Kurumbuka leaders who call these nations home…
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Benin is the historic site of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom. Today, it is a democratic republic and has made significant strides in development since the 1990s. Agriculture, especially cotton, drives its economy. The country struggles with poverty and limited industrialization and relies on the informal sector. Culturally, it is the birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo), a philosophy and religion that has influenced the beliefs and social practices throughout Benin and beyond. In the North, terrorist attacks are a major challenge. Pray for economic growth, strong leadership, national progress, and the 2026 election.
– Nicetas Bocovo, ALI Participant -
Burundi is known for its hospitality, favorable climate, and agriculture-based economy, with coffee and tea as key exports. The country is also home to Lake Tanganyika, one of the world's largest and deepest lakes. However, Burundi faces poverty, inflation, currency depreciation, and fuel shortages. Pray for leadership transformation, economic and political stability, and the promotion of godly virtues and values to guide the nation’s progress.
– Alice Kanyange, ALI Participant -
Cameroon ("Africa in Miniature") is diverse in culture, rich in biodiversity, and loves soccer. It's facing a socio-political crisis in its minority English-speaking regions, causing migration and disruption of education. There is also a threat of Boko Haram in the far north. Additionally, Cameroon is experiencing inflation and high costs of living. In 2025, there will be an election, which could potentially result in a volatile transition of power from a 92-year-old president who has been in power for 42 years. Pray for peace and stability.
– Dr. Victor Manyim, ALI Alumnus & Facilitator -
The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources and home to 450 ethnic groups with remarkable diversity in art and music. Often called the "trigger of Africa", our nation has faced decades of political instability, corruption, poverty, and conflict. Its people are resilient, and a new generation brings hope for peace, good governance, and sustainable development. In June 2025, DRC will celebrate 65 years of independence. Pray for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity for the Congolese people.
– Blaise Bilembo, ALI Participant -
Ethiopia has a rich, ancient cultural heritage, a long history of indigenous political and religious leadership, and profound diplomatic relations through trade. We have suffered social, political, and economic crises for over half a century, with increasing complexity as the population grows and leaders fail to learn from the past. A focus on differences has caused regional conflict and division. The new generation brings hope as they learn from other cultures. Pray for unity and good leaders to empower young people.
– Sosena Shiferaw, ALI Alumna -
Kenya is known for its welcoming people, world-renowned athletes, incredible wildlife, the notable wild beast migration, diverse cultures, beautiful coastal beaches, and the Great Rift Valley (part of the intra-continental ridge that runs through Kenya). On the flip side, Kenya has issues ranging from youth unemployment, corrupt leadership, political instability and intolerance, tribalism, poor infrastructure, and poverty. Pray for leaders who value stewardship, accountability, and godly values and for economic growth, political stability, tolerance, and peace.
– Misheck Ngumo Kimari, ALI Participant
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Liberia, West Africa’s oldest independent nation, gained sovereignty in 1847 and has a rich history of resilience. It is bordered by the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of 5 million, with 90% identifying as Christian. Liberia is also proud to have had Africa’s first elected female head of state: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Though rich in natural resources, it faces internal governance challenges that could lead to conflict. Pray for wisdom among leaders, national unity, and peace.
– Edwin Snogba, ALI Participant
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Mali is the 8th largest country in Africa and is flat and arid with the Niger River flowing through it, and the Sahara Desert covering nearly half of our territory. Islam has been in the region for over a millennium and is the predominant religion. Mali gained independence in 1960, although the current government is a transitional regime. Pray for political and economic stability. Pray for the scales of spiritual blindness to fall and that Jesus is lifted as a banner over the country. Pray for unity within the church and that denominational differences will not hinder the spread of the gospel.
– Nana Fatouma Dougnon, ALI Participant
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Malawi, “The Warm Heart of Africa”, is known for its friendly people, diverse landscapes, and reliance on agriculture, particularly export crops like tobacco and tea. However, the country faces ongoing poverty, economic challenges, huge debt, and unemployment. Pray for a fair and peaceful tripartite general election in September 2025, where God would give us the type of leaders who will help cultivate the nation we need as we work toward the Malawi Vision 2063.
– Timothy Makwalo, ALI Participant -
Mozambique is a southern African nation with a spectacular coastline, mountains, plateaus, and a tropical climate. Shortly after gaining independence in 1975, it experienced a civil war from 1977 to 1992. It has since worked to rebuild its economy and civil infrastructure through tourism, agriculture, fishing, and natural resources. Mozambique faces a complex system marked by political tensions, security concerns, and economic challenges. Pray for peace and political and economic stability.
– Adelia Nharugue, ALI Participant -
Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," Rwanda is celebrated for its stunning landscapes of mountains, savannahs, and lakes. Rwanda's official languages—Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili—reflect its multicultural heritage, and Kigali, the capital, is becoming a symbol of innovation in Africa. Its economy is diversifying, the population is growing, and it has made remarkable strides in recovery following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. While the nation enjoys stability, challenges remain. Pray for continued peace, strong church leadership, and deeper faith among believers.
– Annet Mbabazi, ALI Participant
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The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is rich in oil, forests, and fishing grounds. It faces political instability, economic dependency on oil, and social issues like poverty and inadequate infrastructure. In 2025, it will mark 65 years of independence. Pray for transformation in leadership, economic diversification, national unity, and progress.
– Lazare Tsiona, ALI Participant
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South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation, gained independence in 2011 but has faced ongoing ethnic conflict, corruption, and instability. Blessed with the largest seasonal wildlife migration in the world, the country is divided in equal halves by the Nile River and hosts millions of birds and aquatic life at the Sudd Swamp. Boasting a strong athletic presence on the global stage, the nation has great potential. Despite abundant natural resources and a vibrant culture, development has been hindered by an ongoing ethnic war since 2013 that has led to genocide and mass atrocities. Pray for peace, reconciliation, and leaders who will prioritize the well-being of the people.
– Ruei Hoth Gony, ALI Participant
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Tanzania, formed from two countries: Tanganyika (mainland) and Zanzibar (island), is a unique country with two government systems and two presidents. It is rich in minerals such as diamonds, iron, tanzanite, gold, and gas and has cash crops like coffee, tea, pyrethrum, flowers, cotton, and more. Home to 8 national parks and beautiful lakes, with the giraffe and peacock as the national animal and bird. Tanzania borders 8 countries and the Indian Ocean. Pray that a peaceful election will take place in October 2025.
– Willy Gibson Mwandegenye, ALI Participant
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Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa, boasts beautiful diverse landscapes and over 50 ethnic groups speaking 40 languages. Since gaining independence in 1962, it has seen economic progress but continues to struggle with corruption, poverty, healthcare, education, and environmental challenges. As the 2026 elections approach, pray for peace, stability, and godly leadership.
– Allen Nantaba, ALI Participant
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Zambia is known for its natural resources, culture, and Victoria Falls, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It is a peaceful country and was declared a Christian nation in 1991. However, it faces ongoing corruption, poverty, inadequate power supply, high inflation, and debt. In 2025, Zambia will celebrate 61 years since independence. Pray for transformation in leadership, sufficient rains for hydropower and food, and citizens who embody godly virtues and values.
– Michelo Siachaya, ALI Participant
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Zimbabwe consists of diverse ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. Social life in Zimbabwe is characterized by strong community ties, vibrant cultural expressions, and resilience. Economic hardships and political instability have posed significant challenges, impacting daily life and access to resources. There is a need for economic growth and employment opportunities so that people can have sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life. Pray for lasting peace and political stability so that leaders may prioritize the well-being of their citizens and work toward unity.
– Edmore Hungwe, ALI Participant