On the 15th of December, 2024, I stood on stage at the Africa Achievement Awards, honored to receive the Best International African Youth Empowerment Award. The moment was surreal, not just for the recognition itself but for the opportunity to pause and reflect on what it all means. Being recognized for the work Iโve poured my heart into over the past decade is humbling. Yet, in this moment of celebration, I am also acutely aware of the immense responsibility that we all share.
In April 2022, I found myself serving as the youngest Malawian fulltime professional at the UN Headquarters, and I began my role as an Evaluation Analyst with the UNDP. As I pivot into private sector, I find myself reflecting on milestones which included raising $74 million for the global SDG Synthesis Coalition. I am excited for the new journey with Xbox, and I look forward to bringing my experience in global stakeholder engagement and knowledge management to Microsoft.
MBA studies focus on managing established organizations and minimizing risk, which can conflict with the needs of entrepreneurs who thrive in uncertainty and require creativity. While MBAs provide valuable skills for scaling businesses, aspiring founders should seek additional experiences that foster innovation and adaptability to succeed in entrepreneurship.
In November, 2024, I joined Africa’s youth at the 7th Youth Connekt Summit in Rwanda. I delivered a keynote, highlighting the work of the Kwathu Kollective, and our mission to empower Africa’s youth through education and innovation. Our programs, like the Nyenyezi Fellowship and Mโmawa Apprenticeship, equip students with essential skills. We envision a collaborative future where young leaders drive sustainable growth across Africa. Read / watch my full speech.