On March 6, 2024, the Ntha Foundation took a significant step forward by incorporating in the State of Delaware, USA. Just over a year later, on April 11, 2025, we officially received our designation as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
This moment is far more than a legal milestone — it is a powerful affirmation of the journey we’ve walked over the last several years, and a bold invitation into the future we are building.
Our Story
Founded in Malawi in 2018 by Ms. Nthanda Manduwi, the Ntha Foundation was born out of a vision to bridge the gap between creativity, innovation, and opportunity — particularly for young Africans. We began with storytelling. Digital skills training. Youth hubs. Today, we have grown into a dynamic ecosystem of initiatives under our umbrella: the Kwathu Kollective, Digital Skills for Africa, M’mawa Apprenticeship Program, and Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship, to name a few.
Our work has always centered on access: to information, to digital tools, to professional networks, and to the knowledge economy at large. Incorporating in the U.S. and qualifying for 501(c)(3) status enables us to further this mission by opening doors to a global network of collaborators, funders, and institutions.
Why This Matters — and What’s Next
This designation formalizes our presence in the United States, and more importantly, positions us to expand our work through global partnerships, U.S.-based funding, and cross-continental knowledge exchange. For our core programs — especially those under the Kwathu Kollective — this means we can do more of what we do best: empower creators, innovators, and changemakers.
But beyond the legal status, this moment reflects our deeper belief: that Africa is the next frontier of innovation — not simply a recipient of development aid, but a co-architect of global solutions.
Africa as the Next Frontier: A Case for Knowledge Exchange
At the heart of our U.S. strategy is one central idea: Africa matters — to the future of education, technology, creativity, and global innovation.
We envision the Ntha Foundation acting as a bridge:
- A pipeline of talent, connecting top African creators and technologists with institutions and opportunities in the U.S.
- A host for knowledge exchange, where African students, researchers, and professionals engage with their U.S. counterparts in meaningful, mutual learning.
- A catalyst for cross-border innovation, where the U.S. benefits from Africa’s demographic dividend, cultural richness, and inventive approaches to problem-solving.
We are building out student exchange programs, transnational fellowships, and internship pathways that allow for true two-way engagement. Africa doesn’t need to “catch up” — Africa needs a seat at the table. And we’re committed to making that happen.
The Vision Ahead
This 501(c)(3) recognition gives our work credibility in new spaces, but it also comes with responsibility. We are not just scaling for the sake of growth. We are scaling for impact. Scaling to elevate voices. Scaling to change narratives. Scaling because we believe in a world where young people — especially from Africa — can lead boldly, innovate fearlessly, and build globally.
To our partners, collaborators, donors, and the community that has believed in this vision from the beginning: thank you. We are just getting started.
Work With Us
Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact our Founder; Ms. Nthanda Manduwi via contact@nthafoundation.org, or give us a call(direct or WhatsApp) on +265991850730.
To keep up with the work of the Ntha Foundation, our hubs under the Kwathu Kollective, our initiatives, and our projects, follow us on social media:
NTHA FOUNDATION SOCIAL MEDIA
KWATHU KOLLECTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA
