The written word shaped civilizations, preserved history, and served as a vessel for knowledge. As we step further into the digital age, there’s an undeniable shift occurring—one that suggests the future of storytelling and knowledge-sharing may no longer rely so heavily on traditional reading and writing.
What started as by Ntha in 2013–just a blog to document life and share my journey–has grown into something I never could have imagined.Over the years, what began as storytelling became a space to help other young people step into digital media, personal branding, and creative careers. That’s how the Ntha Foundation was born–and seeing it grow from training 30 people to reaching thousands has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Now, as we expand globally, Kwathu Kollective will carry the heart of this work at home in Africa–empowering creators and innovators right where it all began. I’m truly grateful to everyone who’s been part of this.
There are pieces of art and literature that stay with us, quietly shaping the way we see the world. For me, that piece is “Ithaka” by C.P. Cavafy.
‘By the End of Your Teens’—my first book, is more than just a book to me; it was the beginning of a deeply personal series that reflects my journey through the different stages of life. I wrote BTEOYT as a stand-alone book, but quickly realised this would become my most meaningful work—a series as I navigate life. I am presently rewriting BTEOYT, and I intend to immediately after start writing ‘Traversing the Terrible Twenties’, to be published as I turn 30. Welcome to ‘The Tens’ series.
The world we knew just a decade ago no longer exists. Technology is no longer a tool we simply wield—it’s an architect reshaping the very foundation of how we build, connect, and create. And with this transformation comes an undeniable truth: to stay relevant, we must evolve.
As the curtain closes on the first International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to the rights, freedoms, and dignity of people of African descent worldwide. At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, where I had the honor of being recognized as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent, the UN proclaimed the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, set to commence in 2025.
When I first moved to New York City, I quickly became acquainted with the complexities of the American economy, many of which I had only observed from afar. One of the most striking aspects was the tipping culture—a seemingly small but pervasive feature of daily life that speaks volumes about deeper systemic issues.
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 I’ve 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.