At the 2024 Youth Connekt Africa Summit, Nthanda Manduwi took to the stage to share her insights, experiences, and unwavering dedication to youth and women’s empowerment across Africa. Invited by the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with YouthConnekt Africa and the Mastercard Foundation, Nthanda’s keynote addressed over 40 countries’ youth delegates—an audience filled with changemakers, innovators, and aspiring leaders from around the continent.
Reflecting the African Union’s 2024 theme, “Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century,” Nthanda has spent the year advocating for the transformative power of education. Through various keynote addresses, often in diplomatic settings, she has consistently highlighted the importance of preparing Africa’s youth for a rapidly digitizing world. Her messages frequently draw upon her own journey and achievements, illustrating to policymakers what education can accomplish and emphasizing the critical role of technology in Africa’s future.
In her address at Youth Connekt Africa, Nthanda introduced the work of the Ntha Foundation, an organization she founded to drive “Innovations for Skilling and Employability.” This initiative has grown into the Kwathu Kollective, a platform dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and skill development among African youth. As part of her address, Nthanda proudly announced Mr. Victor Caesar Gondwe as the new Managing Director of the Kwathu Kollective. The transition was meaningful for both, as Victor—an alum of the Ntha Foundation’s M’Mawa Apprenticeship Programme—has now taken on a pivotal role in steering Kwathu’s vision forward. The summit also marked Victor’s first fully coordinated trip as Managing Director, a testament to the collaborative and impactful spirit Nthanda has instilled in her team.
Nthanda was deeply moved by Rwanda’s commitment to youth empowerment and gender inclusion. She shared her admiration for Rwanda’s approach to governance, particularly the visible leadership of young female ministers, which reflected a powerful respect for youth and women. For Nthanda, this was more than an inspiring experience; it was a profound affirmation of her belief in the value of engaging young people and women in decision-making roles across Africa.
As a gender researcher, Nthanda has often spoken of her pride in the inherent respect and honor traditionally afforded to African women. She notes that although colonial legacies have left lingering impacts, African cultures have long celebrated women’s roles in society. Walking on African soil, she says, always feels “majestic”—a sentiment that resonates with her continued advocacy for women’s empowerment on the continent.
Through her keynote, Nthanda highlighted Rwanda as a model for integrating youth and women into leadership roles and urged other African nations to follow suit. Africa’s youth, she emphasized, make up 80% of the population and are the generation that will live out Agenda 2063’s commitments. For this reason, Nthanda advocates for training, preparing, and involving young people in policy-making as essential steps toward a thriving, self-sustaining Africa.
Nthanda Manduwi’s contributions to the 2024 Youth Connekt Africa Summit reinforced her vision for an Africa where education, innovation, and inclusivity are cornerstones. With her heart and passion deeply tied to the continent, she hopes to see her initiatives empower the next generation of African leaders.
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