Shaping Africa's next generation of speakers, creatives and thought leaders.
At Orate Africa, we believe that oration is more than public speaking. It is confidence. It is leadership, and critical thinking, power to engage ideas, defend principles and inspire change. Our work is designed to give students across the continent meaningful opportunities to develop communication, advocacy and intellectual skills through structured, high-impact platforms.
Advocacy
Speak with precision.
Critical Thinking
Analyse & engage.
Leadership
Lead with integrity.
Communication
Master persuasion.
Empowering Africa's next generation through oratory excellence.
2013
Orate Africa Trust is a youth development organisation committed to promoting oratory skills in Botswana and across Africa. Through competitions, training, adjudication development and strategic partnerships, we create platforms where young people sharpen their voices, strengthen critical thinking and grow into confident leaders.
The Trust advances this mission through four core pillars: organisational development, socio-cultural engagement, adjudication development and inclusivity. We work to build strong relationships with governments, schools, non-governmental organisations, international bodies and other partners who share our commitment to youth development and educational excellence.
To become Africa's leading and internationally recognised platform for oratory excellence, youth leadership and intellectual exchange.
To advance oratory, advocacy and leadership in Africa by creating transformative opportunities for young people to learn, compete, engage and excel.
Building strong adjudicators
A strong competition culture depends on strong adjudication. Orate Africa provides regular training workshops for teachers, coaches and interested individuals so that adjudication remains fair, educational and credible. These workshops are aimed at harnessing the skills of those who form part of our adjudication core in competitions and local programmes.
What we do for the community
Our programmes are designed to strengthen school and community relations through intellectual activity. We bring together students, teachers, schools and institutions in a way that promotes dialogue, leadership, peaceful coexistence and social development. Through our work, young people are given a platform to tap into their creativity and energy, improve their public expression, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Five platforms, one mission
Click a card to explore championship details.
Moot Court
A flagship initiative simulating real court proceedings, equipping students with practical legal skills including legal research, drafting, and oral advocacy.
- Judged by judges & practitioners
- Realistic African legal cases
- Prelims → Finals
Debate
A dynamic platform for intellectual engagement on contemporary issues affecting Africa using World Schools style.
- Governance & democracy
- Human rights
- Economic development
Public Speaking
Build confidence, articulation and persuasive communication skills.
- Confidence in public engagement
- Leadership presence
- Structured thinking & delivery
Spelling Bee
Foundational programmes aimed at enhancing literacy, vocabulary and language mastery.
- Word origins & meanings
- Pronunciation & usage
- Regional & international words
Quiz Competition
Foundational programmes aimed at enhancing comprehension and general knowledge.
- STEM & humanities
- Current affairs
- Team-based challenges
Where the vision comes to life
Orate Africa Championship
Flagship competition hosted across 7 African countries. Covers Debate, Moot Court, Public Speaking and Spelling Bee.
Annual Moot Court Competition
Launched 23 Sept 2017. A simulated court experience conducted by high school students, enhancing oration and research skills.
Rare Gems Competition
In partnership with Lucara Diamond – Botswana. A moot court for high schools in Boteti region, focusing on GBV issues.
Explore Orate Africa by country
Since 2013, Orate Africa Trust has hosted competitions in seven African countries. Tap a country below to discover dedicated programme information, events and partnerships in that region.
🇳🇦 Namibia
Orate Africa Namibia champions debate and moot court in Windhoek and beyond. Partner schools include Windhoek High School and St. Paul's College.
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Our programmes in Lesotho focus on public speaking and leadership. Collaborations with National University of Lesotho and local high schools. Founded by Advocate Kamohelo Khoboko.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Orate Africa South Africa works with schools and universities across Gauteng and Western Cape. Known for flagship moot court and debate tournaments.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean schools participate in oratory and legal reasoning competitions. Strong presence in Harare and Bulawayo, with upcoming expansion to Mutare.
🇧🇼 Botswana
Headquarters and most extensive programming. Our flagship Orate Africa Championship started here. Strong ties with Ministry of Education and judiciary.
Orate Africa is active in 7+ countries across the continent.
We collaborate with
- Governments and Ministries
- Judicial institutions (Courts & Magistrates)
- Universities and academic institutions
- Private sector organisations
- High Schools
- International Organisations
Why partner with us?
- Access to top young talent across Africa
- Strong brand alignment with youth empowerment
- Measurable social and educational impact
- High-visibility platforms and events
Invest in Africa's future leaders
We offer tailored sponsorship packages designed to deliver both impact and visibility. Event sponsorship, programme sponsorship, awards and prizes, branding and media exposure.
Three-pillar model
Training
Structured capacity-building workshops & mentorship.
Competition
High-level competitive platforms that test and refine skills.
Exposure
Engagement with real-world institutions including courts, academia, and industry leaders.
Ways to plug in
Membership
Orate Africa membership creates a community. It connects students, schools, educators, adjudicators and partners in a shared mission to promote oratory, leadership and youth development across Africa.
Schools $150/yr · Coaches $25
Academy
Virtual training programme for coaches, teachers, students and organisations in need of training in oratory skills. Moot Court Training, Debate & Public Speaking Masterclass, Corporate Communication & Advocacy Training.
Digital Content
Online platforms to access recorded masterclass content, advocacy tutorials, debate frameworks, legal writing guides and research materials.
Events & Conferences
Orate Africa hosts and organizes high level engagements curated for various high impact topics. Panel discussions, Orate Africa Summit, Youth Leadership Conference, Debate Forums.
Brand Merchandise
Place your order for Orate Africa branded materials. Notebooks, travel mugs, bibs for mooting, pens, key holders, T-shirts.
Member Benefits
Exclusive training content, priority access to competitions, networking opportunities, access to research material.
Led by professionals
Experts in law, finance, education, governance and youth development. Click a card to read full bio.
Mokgabo Thobega
FounderFounding trustee with extensive experience in youth development, education and organisational leadership across Africa. Click to read full bio.
Tumelo Sejo Boitumelo
Co-FounderCo-founder and strategic lead, focusing on programme development, partnerships and operational excellence.
Kamohelo Khoboko
Advocate of the Courts of Lesotho | Founder, Orate Africa LesothoAdvocate with over half a decade of experience, founder of Orate Africa Lesotho. Click to read full bio.
Volunteer with us
Register to join our volunteer database.
Voices from our community
"Orate Africa transformed how I think, speak, and engage with the world."
— Former Participant"A truly impactful platform for developing Africa's future leaders."
— Partner InstitutionAlumni — share your story. Submit yours →
Event reports
Trusted organisations
Let's inspire Africa's next generation.
Whether you're a school, organisation, government, sponsor or volunteer, we'd love to explore how we can work together.
Gaborone, Botswana