The first edition of the African Best Young Driver Contest was held from 31 October to 2 November in Naivasha, Kenya.

8 Best Young Driver finalists from the FIA Region I network participated in the African final after qualifying in national rounds in their home country.

First place went to Victor Maina Kabura from AA Kenya, with Wany Tebogo Wani from Emergency Assist 991 taking second and Chris Waweru Kung’u from AA Kenya finishing third. The champion of the contest will receive two tickets for a safari experience as the main prize.

The contest gathers young drivers aged 18 to 26 to highlight their excellent driving skills and knowledge. It challenges participants on the skills that matter the most for safe and responsible driving, not only behind the wheel but also in real-life situations. Some of the exercises included timed driving in slalom, driving off-road, and evasive braking exercises, as well as demonstrating knowledge of traffic rules.

“The African Best Young Driver Contest is a powerful demonstration of how passion for driving can go hand in hand with responsibility and safety,” stated Diogo Pinto, FIA Region I Acting Director General. “It is inspiring to see young people across the continent embracing safe driving and showing that skill behind the wheel means protecting themselves and others on the road.”

The competition builds on the successful foundation of the European Best Young Driver, introduced nationally by AMZS Slovenia in 2017, and has proven to be an effective way to engage younger audiences.

This new initiative celebrated young drivers across Africa, promoting road safety and demonstrating that young drivers can be responsible, skilled, and inspiring role models for their peers and the wider community.

This year’s contest was kindly hosted by the Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya) and is supported by the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Programme and the FIA Foundation.