In November, 2024, I had the honor of joining Africa’s youth at the 7th Youth Connekt Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, in partnership with Youth Connekt Africa and UNDP.
The theme of this year’s African Union focus—“Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century”—perfectly aligned with the heart of our work at the Ntha Foundation, now officially known across the continent as the Kwathu Kollective.
Prior to the summit, I was delighted to join UNDP in Rwanda in a Twitter space facilitated by Jackie Lumbasi, speaking about Digital Skills and Youth Innovation.
At the summit, I had the incredible opportunity to share six transformative years of our journey, championing education, creativity, and innovation in Africa. Our mission, now under the banner of Kwathu Kollective, is to build the strongest network of Africa’s Innovators and Creatives, fostering collaboration, skill-sharing, and impactful growth across the continent.
Engaging with Africa’s youth at the summit left me inspired. The energy, passion, and forward-thinking ideas I encountered reaffirmed my belief in the potential of Africa’s next generation to lead the charge into the 21st century.
Through strategic collaborations with organizations such as the African Union Southern Africa Regional Office, the EU in Malawi, the UNRC’s office in Malawi, the University of Malawi, and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (to name a few), we have worked tirelessly to create an educated and empowered Africa.
The conversations in Kigali were not just about the past but also about the future we’re building together. I left the summit energized and optimistic about what 2025 holds for Kwathu Kollective and all the partners who share this vision.
Africa’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are shaping the present. I am excited to see how we continue to grow, innovate, and collaborate to achieve our collective dreams for a brighter, more inclusive, and empowered Africa.
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Building an Africa Fit for the 21st Century
As we gather here today, I want us to reflect on the Agenda 2063—a blueprint for Africa’s transformation into a global powerhouse of the future. Agenda 2063 is not just a distant vision; it is a commitment that will define the world we, as young Africans, will inherit. F
or African youth, this agenda matters deeply because it shapes the next decades of our lives and the lives of our future generations. This is about the Africa we dream of—one with access to quality education, digital innovation, sustainable jobs, and equitable growth.
By the time we reach 2063, it will be us—the youth, who will witness the fruits of these commitments; and we are the ones who will lead, innovate, and ensure that Africa’s potential is realized.
Introduction and Personal Journey
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed dignitaries, distinguished guests, fellow youth of Africa, I am deeply honored to stand before you today at the 7th Youth Connekt Africa Summit, the largest gathering of young minds across our continent. It is so delightful to be back in Rwanda, after my 6 years of journeying the rest of the world. My journey began right here, in Kigali, with a pivotal experience—the 5th International Conference on Family Planning. It was my second trip outside of Malawi, and my first conference to attend. It was a trip that broadened my perspective and sparked my drive for academia, research and evidence. I—then a recent Economics graduate of the University of Malawi saw that education is not just a path to personal growth but also a tool for societal transformation. It was this conviction that led to the birth of, what is now my favorite organization— the Ntha Foundation.
The Birth of the Ntha Foundation
The Ntha Foundation was founded on a belief deeply influenced by my late mother, the first female marine captain of Malawi by profession, and an incredible educator by passion, whose dedication to her students and community left an indelible mark on my life. Growing up in Mangochi, Malawi, I saw firsthand how she poured her heart into teaching, instilling knowledge, values, and hope in those she taught. Her work went beyond her classrooms; creating opportunities and inspiring young people to believe in their potential. Witnessing her impact, I came to understand that education is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built. I realized that if we could bridge the gap in educational resources and opportunities, we could empower the next generation to solve Africa’s pressing challenges.
Today, the Ntha Foundation continues her legacy by focusing on empowering university students and recent graduates with practical, market-relevant skills. We know that when we invest in individuals, we are cultivating future leaders who will drive development and innovation across Africa.
Empowering Through Education and Skills Development
Our work as Ntha Foundation is anchored in two flagship programs—the Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship and the M’mawa Apprenticeship Program. ‘Nyenyezi’ in Chichewa means star, and ‘M’mawa’ means early (morning).
The Nyenyezi Fellowship targets young entrepreneurs from underserved communities, equipping them with essential business development and digital skills. This fellowship is inspired by my own journey in entrepreneurship, and it aims to spark innovation at the grassroots level. By supporting young changemakers, we are building a pipeline of innovators prepared to meet Africa’s growing needs.
The M’mawa Apprenticeship, inspired by my experiences in my MBA studies, is designed to bridge the gap between academia and the workforce. Through partnerships with universities and businesses, this program prepares students for successful transitions into global careers by providing them with hands-on, practical experience. By fostering skillsets tailored to the demands of today’s job market, we are shaping a transformed, empowered, and skilled workforce capable of propelling our economies forward.
Introducing Kwathu Kollective: A Vision for Africa
Ntha Foundation is a thing of passion and purpose for me. I often joke with my friends that though I have built several companies, and worked with and for incredible organisations like the World Bank and the United Nations, I have no savings to my name, because I have invested every single penny in my community: the Kwathu Kollective.
Now while I started the Ntha Foundation in Malawi, our ambition now extends beyond Malawi. With the Kwathu Kollective, we are building a pan-African network of innovators, creatives, and entrepreneurs. “Kwathu” in Chichewa means “home,” symbolizing a space for collaboration, learning, and mutual support. Through initiatives like Kwathu Konnect, and events like Bants2Business, we create opportunities for talented youth to connect, share ideas, and develop digital skills that position them to thrive in the global economy. Kwathu Kollective represents a new vision for Africa—one where young people collaborate across borders to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our Vision for Africa’s Future
Looking to the future, I envision an Africa where every young person has the resources, knowledge, and support to lead, create, and innovate. At the Ntha Foundation, we are committed to expanding our programs to ensure that young Africans are equipped with the digital and entrepreneurial skills needed for the evolving job market. We aim to close the digital gender gap, broaden our digital literacy programs, and scale our initiatives to meet the growing demand for skilled, employable youth across the continent.
Empowering the Next Generation of African Leaders
Today’s session on “Innovations in Youth Skilling and Employability” showcases the transformative power of investing in youth. By equipping young people with critical skills, we are not only addressing today’s challenges but building a foundation for a resilient, prosperous Africa led by youth for youth. I invite each of you here today—whether you are a policymaker, an educator, or an entrepreneur—to join us in empowering Africa’s young leaders and innovators. Together, we can build a continent where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, innovate, and shape a future that resonates with their dreams and aspirations. Thank you.
To learn more about our initiatives and upcoming collaborations, visit the Kwathu Kollective website. Together, we are building a future that’s not just fit for the 21st century but one where Africa thrives as a global leader.