This September, Ntha Foundation was proudly represented at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City by our Founder & Managing Director, Nthanda Manduwi. Invited by the United Nations Youth Office, Nthanda joined global leaders, development partners, and young innovators to mark the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY30) — a milestone moment to reimagine youth-centered development in Africa and across the globe.
High-Level Engagements & Panels
Throughout the week, Ms. Manduwi contributed to key discussions shaping the future of youth empowerment, technology, and inclusive growth:
- BBC Africa Town Hall — Future of Work & Artificial Intelligence
Appearing alongside Ahunna Eziakonwa (UNDP Assistant Secretary-General), Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani (Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy), and Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni (Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition), Nthanda shared bold perspectives on Africa’s place in the AI revolution.- She emphasized the need for Africa to create — not just consume — AI technologies.
- Challenged outdated colonial-era education systems still designed to produce administrators rather than innovators.
- Urged that job disruption can be an opportunity for Africa to rebuild systems and industries from the ground up.
- Called for patience before rushing into AI regulation — advocating for understanding and experimentation before creating restrictive frameworks.
- Highlighted the urgent need for energy infrastructure to power Africa’s AI future and the importance of financing African entrepreneurs.
- African Regional Youth Forum on Energy & Just Transition(Moderator)
Nthanda moderated the high-level panel on “Bridging Skills, Policy & Investment for a Just Energy Transition”, convened by the UN Youth Office.
Panelists included:- Habiba Ali (SOSAI Renewable Energies) — spoke on the financing gap and policy inconsistency.
- Johanna Galan, MBA (World Bank, Mission 300) — shared strategies to double energy investment by 2030.
- Maria Michela Morese (FAO) — highlighted the energy–agriculture nexus and recognition of youth innovators.
- Simon Benmarraze (IRENA) — encouraged African youth to engage in energy planning and tap into innovative financing tools.
- Financing & Equity: De-risk early-stage ventures through blended and concessional finance.
- Policy Coherence: Stable, predictable policy to attract investors.
- Local Value Creation: Support local agricultural & energy solutions to build resilient economies.
- Youth as Builders: Empower young African innovators with platforms, resources, and influence.
- Exclusive Roundtables & Networking
Nthanda engaged in closed-door discussions with leaders from WIPO, ITU, UNIDO, and the UN Office for Digital Cooperation, exploring how youth-led enterprises can shape Africa’s digital future.
Malawi’s Voice at the General Debate
Malawi was also represented on the world stage by H.E. Dr. Agnes Mary Chimbiri-Molande, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Malawi to the United Nations, who addressed the General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” In her statement, Ambassador Chimbiri-Molande underscored Malawi’s commitment to peace, sustainable development, and the empowerment of its young population as drivers of national transformation. She called for stronger multilateral cooperation to tackle intertwined global challenges — from climate resilience and energy access to equitable economic growth — and reaffirmed Malawi’s belief that inclusive youth participation is essential to building a prosperous, self-determined Africa.
Our Commitment Going Forward
Ntha Foundation’s presence at UNGA80 reaffirmed our mission: empowering African youth to innovate, build systems, and shape sustainable futures. Through initiatives like Digital Skills for Africa, the Kwathu Kollective, and the new Q2 Corporation ventures, we are investing in skills, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies — preparing young Africans not just to adapt, but to lead.
As the UN marks 30 years of the WPAY, our work remains grounded in ensuring African youth are not merely recipients of development, but architects of their own solutions.
Watch Highlights
- BBC Africa Town Hall: Future of Work & AI
- African Regional Youth Forum on Energy & Just Transition
Work With Us
Want to partner on or fund one of our programs / 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:
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