The Expressive View - Movers and Shakers of 2024 in Africa

 

2024 was a year marked by significant excitement, optimism, triumphs, and notable disappointments across Africa. It serves as a reminder that establishing a cohesive continental framework is not an overnight endeavor; rather, it requires collaborative efforts from every individual who identifies as African. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of closely observing various African issues and individuals who I consider to be pivotal figures in social impact, particularly within their respective fields such as sports and science and many more.

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I had the privilege of witnessing history unfold during the Olympics as Botswana's sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, etched his name into the annals of sports history. Tebogo's remarkable achievement not only brought glory to his nation but also placed Africa at the forefront of global athletics. His victory in the men’s 200m, earning the continent its first-ever Olympic gold medal in the event, is a moment of pride that resonates far beyond the track.

Behind his success lies the steadfast support of his mother, a figure whose influence has undoubtedly shaped his journey. Tebogo’s triumph makes him the face of Africa’s sprinting revolution, a trailblazer whose accomplishments have inspired generations and redefined what is possible for athletes across the continent.

This incredible feat has cemented his legacy in Africa’s history books, ensuring his story will continue to inspire for years to come. Tebogo is truly a figure deserving of honor and celebration, a symbol of resilience and excellence whose legacy should be preserved and shared for generations to come.

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Another exceptional figure making an impact is Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, a multifaceted individual whose accomplishments span leadership, computer science, artificial intelligence, and mechanical engineering. Professor Marwala’s contributions include over 25 published books, numerous book chapters, academic journal articles, conference papers, and more than 250 magazine articles and newspaper opinion pieces. However, his influence is not limited to his extensive academic work—he exemplifies the essence of pushing limits and envisioning possibilities beyond the norm.

Reading his book, Leading in the 21st Century: The Call for a New Type of African Leader, was a transformative experience. It introduced me to a leader who is deeply invested in Africa’s growth and progress. Professor Marwala’s dedication to academic excellence and his forward-thinking approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution made a lasting impact during his time at the University of Johannesburg, where he nurtured a culture of innovation and future-focused learning. As an alumnus, I am deeply inspired by his work and leadership.

Now serving as the Rector of the United Nations University, Professor Marwala continues to lead with purpose and influence. It is inspiring to look forward to the contributions he will make in this new phase of his career. Leaders like him redefine what is achievable for Africa and set an example for others to follow.

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Coming from Eswatini, rising leader Lwazi Dlami has achieved remarkable milestones in a relatively short time. Among his standout accomplishments is leading the team behind a website redesign project that earned the prestigious 2021 Central Banking Website of the Year Award. He also played a pivotal role in the Bank’s coin redesign project, which garnered recognition for the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin. This coin beautifully encapsulates Eswatini’s story, intertwining themes of technological progress, tourism, and the unity of emaSwati in a way that resonates profoundly with its audience.

What distinguishes Lwazi is his exceptional talent for branding, particularly his ability to craft experiences that leave a lasting impression. His blend of creativity and strategic insight has positioned him as one of the driving forces behind a new wave of strategic communicators in Eswatini. By redefining the profession, he highlights its versatility and its critical role in building businesses and brands through multidisciplinary approaches such as graphic design and business acumen. More than just a skilled professional, Lwazi has a nuanced understanding of the business landscape, amplifying the impact of his work.

Through his contributions to Pinaco & Co, a local consultancy firm, he has been instrumental in nurturing Eswatini’s growing startup ecosystem. Now serving as the lead communications specialist at the Eswatini Reserve Bank, Lwazi exemplifies how meaningful impact stems not from grand titles but from determination, focus, and the courage to create change from wherever you stand.

His journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership. In a nation with a rich history and immense potential, Lwazi Dlami is a shining example of harnessing opportunities to inspire progress and pave the way for others to follow.

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When we see startups in Africa, we see hope—hope fueled by those who create impactful solutions to address African challenges and steer the continent toward a prosperous future. One such mover and shaker is Thapelo Nthite, a visionary leader who serves as the CEO and founder of Botlhale AI, an Artificial Intelligence company dedicated to expanding the application of AI systems in South Africa. What drives this young co-founder and executive is a simple yet profound goal: to eliminate language as a barrier to accessing essential digital services.

At the heart of Botlhale’s innovation is Naledi, a virtual assistant that deeply resonates with its audience. The name, the vision, and the story behind the company’s development all align to make it a product of purpose. Thapelo Nthite’s inspiration stems from a personal story—his grandmother once asked him to help load prepaid airtime on her phone. However, the phone’s default language was English, which posed a challenge for his Setswana-speaking grandmother. This moment of struggle made him realize that linguistic barriers were a shared challenge for many in South Africa, a nation with immense cultural and linguistic diversity.

In recognizing and addressing this gap, Nthite’s work at Botlhale is a testament to the power of leveraging education and skills to solve pressing local problems. He represents a new generation of innovators committed to returning to their communities to build systems that pave the way for a future of inclusive growth. Leaders like Thapelo are not just creating products—they are preserving stories, addressing generations of marginalization, and crafting a legacy of triumph and transformation. His journey is a powerful reminder that by understanding and addressing our unique challenges, we can inspire a better tomorrow.

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Girls in Africa should be empowered, particularly through education and initiatives that help them grow in knowledge and access basic needs. One name that caught my attention this year is Fatuma Nmasare Ramadhan, a Kenyan advocate and champion for young African girls. She is the founder of Dada Yangu Organization, a non-profit that advocates for the rights of girls aged 13-16, especially those who are underprivileged. Hailing from Kenya, Fatuma represents the powerful wave of advocacy currently sweeping the country.

Her impact goes far beyond her organization. As a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld and through her involvement with various other organizations, Fatuma has made a lasting difference. At Dada Yangu, her programs focus on education and building sisterhood. One of my favourite initiatives is the Crochet Academy, an after-school and holiday program where young girls learn the art of crochet, helping them develop valuable skills and unleash their creativity. It provides a warm, supportive environment for them to learn, grow, and express themselves through this beautiful craft.

Fatuma is a true champion and an inspiration. Her work is a testament to the unwavering impact of African change-makers, especially women. Her efforts continue to inspire countless individuals, and may her work reach even more people and inspire many across Africa. With every step she takes, Fatuma is helping to carve out a better, brighter future for Africa’s young women.

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Another inspiring figure from South Africa is Welcome Mkhize, also known as Umzukulu ka Shaka. A well-spoken youth advocate, Welcome never misses an opportunity to raise his voice on the issues faced by his community. His story and work resonate deeply with me every time he shares them. Welcome is the founder of the Mery Memela Foundation, named after his late grandmother, who played a crucial role in shaping his journey and inspiring the impactful work he continues to do today.

Welcome is a true trailblazer, driven by a deep hunger for change. His work is slowly but surely motivating others, as his projects take a highly practical approach. One of his key focuses is on educating non-Zulu speakers in rural areas about nutrition and empowering community leaders to drive meaningful change. Welcome is not a politician; he is a change-maker with a genuine love for his community. He frequently travels between rural areas, listening to people’s hardships, understanding their stories, and finding practical solutions to their challenges.

In addition to his foundation work, Welcome has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the former President of the Representative Council of Learners (2013), Chairperson of the South African Youth Centre for Climate Change (2016), and Spokesperson for the South African Youth Centre for Climate Change (2020). He is also pursuing a degree in Media and Cultural Studies and Political Science.

At the heart of our communities, youth-led change and impact are making a difference, and leaders like Welcome Mkhize are at the forefront of that transformation.

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Kenneth Chomba is a passionate advocate for youth engagement and social change. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year through UNICEF, where his commitment to making an impact truly stood out. He currently serves as the Green Rising Youth Volunteer Engagement and Strategy Specialist at Generation Unlimited, a role he began in December 2023. In this capacity, Kenneth leads the development of youth climate action strategies in partnership with UNICEF country offices and global partners under the Green Rising Initiative, as part of UNICEF's Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP) launched at COP 28.

Kenneth's journey in youth empowerment and engagement spans multiple roles. Before his current position, he served as a Volunteer Engagement & Network Specialist at UNICEF from 2018 to 2023, where he focused on leveraging volunteers to enhance UNICEF programs for children. He has also held significant leadership positions, including Youth Years Program Manager at Ashoka in East Africa and Community Manager at Rhize Africa Hub.

His work as the Executive Director of Tatua Kenya from 2014 to 2017 was particularly impactful, where he led the organization to success through strategic partnerships, team coaching, and resource mobilization. He played a key role in building Tatua’s curriculum and methodology, ensuring its scalability and sustainability. His approach is deeply rooted in community empowerment, focusing on collective action and training local leaders to create long-term educational impact.

Kenneth’s journey highlights his unwavering commitment to driving change, particularly through the power of youth leadership and community collaboration. His work continues to inspire and motivate many, proving that impactful change is possible when driven by passion and dedication.

I am truly honoured to write about these movers and shakers on The Expressive View. They represent the hunger, drive, and determination toward achieving Agenda 2030 and shaping the Africa we want. These individuals are making waves in their own spaces and circles, each contributing in their own unique way to a better future for Africa. I have handpicked them based on personal observation, as I believe their stories deserve to be shared.

As the writer of this blog, I welcome names of those who are currently making a remarkable impact in their fields. I look forward to writing about them or even meeting them personally to learn how they are driving change through their passion and expertise.

To all my readers, I wish you a Happy New Year! Until we meet again through storytelling and writing in 2025, let’s continue to work towards the Africa we want.