

I am presently on a bus (the majestic Michigan Flyer), from Lansing to Detroit; on my way to the 7th Youth Connekt Summit in Rwanda. I am so deeply in love with Michigan, because (unlike Manhattan, where I have lived for the past two years), I find Michigan (and specifically Lansing) a relatable model for development, and something African countries can not only work towards, but also attain (and specifically within the duration of my lifetime).
This will be my first time in Detroit, so I am riding shotgun on this bus; fully taking Michigan in.
As I jet off to Rwanda in a few hours, I am filled with anticipation and purpose. This gathering represents a pivotal moment for African youth to connect, collaborate, and build a future aligned with our vision for a prosperous, self-sustaining Africa.
My academic commitments—supply chain management (my MBA concentration) and finance exams, and a statistics quiz—had me quite overwhelmed, and it took me a moment to even process what just happened.
So… the elections are finally over. When I was coming to the U.S. to embark on my MBA studies at the Broad College of Business (Michigan State University), I was quite keen to be on the ground to experience an American election. Needless to say, I am so thrilled that the spam text messages are finally over; but my, did I learn a lot about how campaigns in the first world are done.
As the dust settles, it is natural for many of us to reflect on the wider implications of these results, particularly for African nations. These reflections go beyond personal disappointment or joy for the outcomes; they touch on the responsibility that public service and policy decisions have on people’s lives. I find myself not only disappointed by the electoral outcomes, but also pensive about the broader global repercussions—especially in the context of service before self.
For African countries, the U.S. election holds more than just symbolic significance. Policies set by powerful economies like the U.S. have a direct impact on international aid, trade, and diplomatic relations with Africa, and specifically for countries like my own—Malawi.
For decades, African nations have relied on international aid to address development challenges. This dependency has kept many countries in a cycle of dependency, relying on the goodwill and strategic interests of wealthier nations instead of forging paths toward self-sufficiency.
While acknowledging that aid can be and has been a crucial short-term solution, we must push forward a vision for a self-sustaining Africa.
As much as we aim for independence, we must recognize the importance of international aid, particularly in the short term. Aid provides a lifeline for countries facing crises, supports healthcare systems, enables infrastructure projects, and allows for economic stabilizers in times of political or environmental instability. For many African nations, the aid provided by Western countries, including the U.S., has been pivotal for growth, stability, and public health.
However, it is important to remember that aid often comes with strings attached—be they economic, political, or ideological. Changes in U.S. leadership and policies can impact the continuity or focus of aid, influencing which sectors receive support and which are deprioritized.
This election, in my opinion, serves as a reminder that while we may welcome or need aid, relying too heavily on external support leaves us vulnerable to the ever-changing tides of global politics.
As we examine the recent U.S. election results, it is important to understand the policy differences between Kamala Harris’s agenda and Donald Trump’s previous policies, particularly in areas that directly impact African nations.
Harris, representing the Democratic administration, has championed a more multilateral approach that emphasizes partnership and mutual benefit. In contrast, Trump’s administration adopted a more America-first (rightfully so), protectionist stance, which had distinct effects on trade, aid, and immigration policies affecting African nations.
In comparing the policy approaches of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, it is clear that each administration has distinct priorities and impacts on Africa. Harris’s policies emphasize multilateralism, aid, climate resilience, and open immigration, suggesting a more supportive role for African development. Trump’s approach, on the other hand, prioritized U.S. interests through selective aid, bilateral trade agreements, and strict immigration policies. This is extremely valid—he is America first, as I am Africa first.
For African nations, Harris’s policies could provide more resources and opportunities to tackle long-term challenges, from health to economic growth and climate adaptation. However, it is essential for African countries to view these policies as supplementary to their own development initiatives. True independence and growth for Africa lie in building resilient economies, fostering innovation, and developing sustainable policies that don’t rely solely on external aid or partnerships.
Ultimately, while African nations can benefit from these U.S. policies, we must remain focused on a vision of a self-sustaining Africa—an Africa that relies on its own strength, fosters local talent, and builds economic resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Despite the need for aid, Africa’s future cannot rest on perpetual dependency.
True sovereignty and development lie in the ability of African nations to generate their own wealth, invest in local industries, and build economic structures that benefit their populations sustainably.
With each election cycle in major economies, we must ask ourselves: how do we position ourselves to be less affected by external shifts?
In my work with the Ntha Foundation, I’ve always emphasized economic growth from within—creating opportunities for university students and young graduates, fostering entrepreneurship, and equipping future generations with practical skills. Aid can be a stopgap, but the focus should be on fostering Africa’s internal capabilities to be self-reliant.
Building the Ntha Foundation (and the Kwathu Kollective by extension) has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for me—a journey marked by the unwavering support of our international donors, stakeholders, and friends who have believed in our mission from the very beginning. I am deeply grateful for their contributions, which have enabled us to create impactful programs focused on education, digital literacy, and youth empowerment across Malawi and beyond. The generosity and trust of our global community have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life, and it is this support that inspires us every day to push further, to dream bigger, and to transform more lives across the African continent.
Looking ahead, my vision for the Ntha Foundation is to become a self-sustaining organization—an initiative created for African youth, by African youth.
To achieve this, we are implementing several key strategies. We are focusing on building sustainable revenue streams through partnerships with African businesses and investments in social enterprises that can fund our programs independently. We are empowering our team and beneficiaries with the entrepreneurial and technical skills needed to manage and expand these projects. We are also strengthening local collaborations to ensure that our work remains rooted in the needs and aspirations of our communities.
By fostering self-sufficiency and resilience within the foundation, we aim to serve as a model for African-led development, championing a future where young Africans are the primary architects of their own progress and prosperity.
A shift toward self-sustainability requires that African governments take the lead in setting priorities for economic growth, job creation, and social development. This involves:
I cannot hide this from you: I was, and I remain team Kamala, for very many reasons—I am African first, and African always. I care deeply for what these results mean for African nations; in both the short and long-term. With this knowledge, I am deeply devastated by the results of this election cycle.
While I am personally disappointed, I remind myself that the core of politics and public service is about the greater good. It is about putting aside individual opinions and ambitions in favor of policies and decisions that benefit the wider society. My disappointment is less about the electoral result itself and more about the broader state of humanity and our collective responsibility to each other.
Political leaders worldwide—including those in Africa—must remember that their roles are a service to their people, not a platform for self-interest. If there is one lesson to take from this election, it’s the importance of prioritizing the needs of our citizens and building policies rooted in long-term development rather than short-term gains.
In the end, while Africa may benefit from aid in the short term, our vision should remain focused on an empowered, self-sustaining continent. The future of Africa depends on our collective ability to nurture our resources, invest in our people, and develop the infrastructures that ensure economic independence. Let the outcomes of this election serve as a call to action for Africa’s leaders, policymakers, and citizens to commit to building a resilient Africa, capable of standing strong regardless of shifts in global politics.
We must strive to build a continent where each nation can thrive on its own terms, ensuring that Africa is not merely shaped by the decisions made abroad but by the resolve and ingenuity of its people. In the end, politics and policies should serve humanity, uphold dignity, and contribute to a global community where each nation can flourish on its own merits.
As I prepare to address the Youth Connekt Summit this Saturday, I am reminded of the collective power and ambition of Africa’s young leaders.
This is more than just a speaking engagement to me; it is an opportunity to unite our voices and strategies towards the Africa we envision. I invite you to join me in this journey, whether by watching the summit or engaging with the thoughts I share via my various digital platforms. Together, we can forge a path forward—rooted in resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress.