Akonda Supuni Yakobe: Shaping women’s future through writing

Writing is one of the powerful tools for developing people’s minds that eventually contributes towards change in our society.

That is to say literally works such as books serve as important weapons for tranforming our nations.

Realising the power of literature towards human development, writer and motivational speaker Akonda Supuni Yakobe embraced paper and pen to empower women to become effective agents of change.

Her writing focuses on themes such as personal development, mindset transformation, women empowerment, leadership with integrity, faith-based resilience, financial stewardship and purpose discovery.

Akonda is the author of a bestselling book: The Goal Setting Mindset – The Key to Unlocking Your Full Potential. This book inspires growth, was released and launched on the October 24 2024 at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.

Meanwhile, Goal Setting Mindset-The Key to Unlocking Your Full Potential has sold over 1 000 copies since its official launch.

Akonda described the book’s reception as encouraging.

“Readers have found the book practical, palatable and motivating, with many saying it helped them shift their mindset and take clear, intentional action towards their goals,” she said.

Akonda further said her goal was to contribute towards a sustainable future, accountability and intentional leadership through the power of the pen.

“I aim to equip individuals, especially women, with practical inspiration to grow both personally and professionally. I want to see more confident, values-driven, and purpose-led women and leaders who are not afraid to use their voices and talents to positively impact our society,” Akonda said.

The author works at Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) as audit manager where she has served for 19 years.

She is also a Fellow of Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA).

Akonda is also Forum for Women Accountants in Malawi (Fowama) inaugural president, Certified Leadership Trainer (Jack Canfield), Certified Leadership Coach, certified change management practitioner, mindset change expert, public speaker, chief executive officer and lead consultant at Akonda SY Consulting, Coaching and Training.

She described writing as one of her hobbies and powerful tools for empowering people to become effective leaders and change makers.

“Effective leaders are products of good books which inspire action and mindset change. I decided to embrace writing good literature to contribute towards developing Malawi,” said Akonda.

Her writing journey dates back to a decade ago where life experiences taught the auditor valuable lessons.

“My journey began with a strong desire to inspire growth, resilience and transformation. Over time, I realised that words—whether written or spoken—have the power to heal, challenge and shift mindsets.

“Drawing inspiration from life experiences, faith, leadership practice and community engagement, I began using writing and motivational platforms to encourage individuals, especially women, to believe in themselves and live purpose-driven lives,” she said.

According to Akonda, writing and motivation empower women by giving them a voice, confidence and clarity of purpose.

“When women are encouraged to tell their stories and strengthen their mindset, they become agents of change in their families, workplaces and communities,” she said.

She challenged women to believe in themselves and their potential even when the journey feels uncertain.

“Your story matters, your dreams are valid and your voice is needed. Commit to growth, remain resilient and rise boldly into your purpose,” she urged.

Apart from writing, Akonda is involved in leadership coaching, mentorship, women empowerment initiatives, financial literacy discussions and professional development forums.

These platforms enable her to inspire, guide and support individuals and groups across different sectors.

She is passionate about reading and listening to inspirational audio books.

Akonda said this was an ingredient to her writing career.

“Apart from reading, I love to travel, cook and network. A year ago, I started playing golf and I would say it’s a decision I don’t regret because it has many benefits such as physical fitness [without feeling like a workout], mental clarity, stress relief, discipline, mindset, social networking, confidence and goal setting habits. One shot, one round at a time,” she narrated.

Akonda is married to Fred Yakobe and they have one child.

She was born in a Christian family of six children in which she is a third born.

“My late father was a marketer while my mother is a retired primary school teacher,” said Akonda, who has spent most part of her life in Blantyre City.

She has also served as Blantyre Toastmasters Club president and Malawi Revenue Authority Toastmaster’s Club president.

Akonda said these positions were not only her personal achievements, but also a source of motivation to women.

“Mostly, I use my personal story as motivation to girls and young women for them to dream big,” she said.

Akonda completed her primary education at Dharap Primary School (now Namiwawa Primary School) in Blantyre.

She was later selected to Henry Henderson Institute (HHI) Secondary School before proceeding to the Malawi Polytechnic from where she obtained a diploma in secretarial studies.

Thereafter, she studied for a bachelor of business accounting through Andrews University via its Solusi Campus in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Akonda then subsequently enrolled with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

She also pursued a master of business administration in International Business with Amity University through e-learning, in collaboration with University of Malawi, formerly Chancellor College

Akonda challenged women to cultivate a culture of reading to gain first-hand leadership insights and skills relevant for growth in different fields.

She is working on her second book about the power of  the subconscious mind and the vast potential of human beings.

“My future plans include expanding my writing projects, strengthening mentorship and coaching initiatives, and reaching wider audiences through speaking engagements, publications and collaborative platforms focused on women empowerment and leadership development.

“I would like to encourage women to fall in love with books and reading culture for them to become strategic leaders,” said Yakobe.