In commemoration of International Youth Day 2024, Ms. Manduwi was featured in the Nation Newspaper as one of Malawi’s Young Minds Paving Way for a Digital Future.
Below, the interview:
A brief introduction of yourself:
My name is Nthanda Manduwi, the Global CEO of Bien Corporation Africa, and the founder of the Ntha Foundation. I am a passionate advocate for digital skills and innovation. Growing up in Mangochi, Malawi, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of education, which ultimately led me to New York and inspired my journey in promoting digital skills.
Can you share your journey and what inspired you to start training others in digital skills?
My journey began as a digital creator in Malawi – I saw youth from other African countries documenting their countries, and noted a gap in Malawi. I set out to fill that, creating digital content about Malawi. Eventually, I noted other youth had interest in doing the same, and with a profound belief in the potential of digital skills to bridge gaps and create opportunities, I pursued my first master’s degree in Entrepreneurship with a focus on digital innovation. I saw the vast possibilities that digital tools could offer, especially in regions like Malawi. This inspired me to start the Nyenyezi Fellowship program under the Ntha Foundation, focusing on business development and digital skills, targeting remote, semi-urban, and urban areas. My goal was to empower young people, especially young women, to harness the power of digital tools for their personal and professional growth.
What challenges have you faced in promoting digital education (skills) among youth, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the lack of access to digital infrastructure and resources. Many young people in Malawi and other parts of Africa do not have reliable internet access or the necessary devices to participate in digital learning. To overcome this, we have partnered with local and international organizations to provide the needed resources. We’ve also focused on creating community centers, in partnership with national governments, where youth can access digital tools and receive training. Additionally, we have tailored our programs to be accessible and relevant, ensuring they meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.
Impact and Achievements
How do you see this contributing to sustainable development?
Digital skills are crucial for sustainable development as they enable individuals to access information, opportunities, and networks that can drive economic growth and social progress. By equipping young people with digital skills, we are not only enhancing their employability but also fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This contributes to sustainable development by creating more inclusive economies and resilient communities.
Can you describe a specific instance where your training significantly impacted someone’s life or career?
One of the most impactful stories is that of William Chipula, who participated in our inaugural Nyenyezi Fellowship program. Unlike the rest of the participants, William did not have a tertiary education. He had a deep interest in graphic design, but not too much knowledge of digital tools. He quickly learned to create digital content and manage online platforms, and became a trainer during the Digital Malawi project. Today, William runs a successful media and branding business, supporting other businesses as they digitalise. His success story is a testament to the transformative power of digital skills training.
What are some of the most rewarding outcomes you’ve seen from your training programs?
Seeing the confidence and independence that young people gain from our training programs is incredibly rewarding. Many participants have gone on to start their own businesses, secure better jobs, or continue their education in digital fields. The ripple effect of these individual successes on their families and communities is profound. One of the most rewarding outcomes is witnessing the empowerment of young women who often face additional barriers to education and employment.
Can you share an example of a successful community project that resulted from your training?
A successful community project that emerged from our training is the Digital Literacy for Women initiative in Lilongwe. This project, led by former trainees, focuses on teaching digital skills to women in rural areas, enabling them to access online markets, financial services, and educational resources. The initiative has not only improved the livelihoods of many women but also fostered a supportive network of female entrepreneurs.
In your opinion, what role does digital education play in achieving sustainable development, and how can we encourage more youth (especially young women and girls) to engage in these pathways?
Digital education is pivotal in achieving sustainable development as it empowers individuals with the skills needed to participate in the global economy, innovate, and solve local challenges. To encourage more youth, especially young women and girls, to engage in these pathways, we need to create inclusive and supportive environments. This includes providing access to digital tools, mentorship programs, and role models. We must also address cultural and societal barriers that limit girls’ participation in digital education by promoting gender equality and empowering women leaders. By doing so, we can ensure that digital education becomes a powerful tool for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Want to engage Ms. Manduwi as a speaker at your event, in other professional capacity? Get in touch.
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