At a time many Africans worry that the spirit of Ubuntu is fading, recognition for those who continue to embody its values has become increasingly significant.
Ubuntu—the African philosophy that emphasizes humanity, compassion, shared responsibility and collective progress—has for generations been the bedrock of African societies.
It is the belief that an individual’s wellbeing is inseparable from that of the community. Yet rapid social change, economic hardships and growing individualism have led many to question whether those values still hold the same influence.
In communities grappling with poverty, unemployment, inequality and social exclusion, the need for leaders who place people at the centre of development has perhaps never been greater.
For Chikondi Lisimba Mpokosa, Ubuntu is more than a philosophy. It is the principle that has guided a career spanning over 26 years in international development and humanitarian work.
Long before she became a recognisable political figure in Malawi as National Development Party vice-president and running mate to Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo in the 2025 General Elections, Mpokosa had built a reputation as a development practitioner dedicated to improving the lives of marginalised people.
At the heart of that work is Youth Action for Sustainable Development (YA4SD), an organisation she founded to address challenges facing young people, women and vulnerable communities.
Through YA4SD, Mpokosa champions inclusive education, girls’ education, disability rights, gender equality, humanitarian assistance and community empowerment initiatives across numerous countries in Africa and Asia.
Its programmes target communities that often fall through the cracks of conventional development interventions.
These include girls denied educational opportunities, children affected by conflict, persons with disabilities, women excluded from economic opportunities and young people struggling to find pathways to productive livelihoods.
The philosophy behind the organisation is simple: sustainable development cannot be achieved if large sections of society remain excluded.
Over the years, YA4SD has worked with communities to promote education, strengthen leadership among young people, support women’s empowerment and improve opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Its impact mirrors the broader mission that has defined Mpokosa’s professional life.
Her development journey has taken her across continents and into some of the world’s most challenging environments.
One of her notable assignments was with Unicef in South Sudan, where she served as deputy chief of education emergencies.
In a country affected by conflict and displacement, her work focused on ensuring children continued to access education despite difficult circumstances.
That commitment would become a recurring theme throughout her career.
Mpokosa later worked with Malala Fund, where she helped advance advocacy in expanding educational opportunities for girls across Africa and Asia.
Her experience also includes serving as Women and Girls at Opportunity International global director, where she championed programmes to improve women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
In many developing countries, women continue to face barriers in accessing finance, land ownership and economic opportunities.
Mpokosa’s work sought to address those challenges by promoting policies and programmes that enable women to participate fully in economic life.
“The future of any society depends on how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. If we empower girls, support women and invest in young people, we are investing in stronger communities and a better future for everyone,” she said.
Mpokosa also served as a global adviser supporting programmes in 83 countries, working with governments, development partners and communities to promote inclusive development.
Through VSO International, her assignments took her to, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria, as well as Nepal, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
Across these countries, her focus remained consistent: creating opportunities for those who had traditionally been excluded.
Her work included advising governments on transformative policy reforms, supporting women’s inclusion in agricultural value chains, promoting financial access for vulnerable populations and advocating for educational opportunities for girls.
She also served as United Kingdom-based Angelou Centre executive director, an organisation that supports survivors of domestic abuse and advocates for vulnerable women seeking protection and empowerment.
While the institutions she worked for differed in mandate and geographical reach, the underlying objective remained the same—ensuring development reaches those who need it most.
Those who have worked with Mpokosa describe her as a leader who believes that development should be measured not only through economic indicators, but through improvements in people’s lives.
For her, development is meaningful when a girl stays in school, when a woman gains economic independence, when a young person secures opportunities to thrive or when a child affected by conflict regains hope for the future.
In May this year, Mpokosa emerged winner of the Ubuntu Social Enterprise Excellence Award at the African Business Chamber (AfBC) Awards in the United Kingdom.
The achievement placed her among a select group of African leaders whose work has demonstrated exceptional social impact.
Her victory was notable because she emerged from a competitive field of seven finalists drawn from across the continent.
The awards attracted nominees from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, South Africa and Malawi.
While Malawi also had another finalist, in a different category, Mpokosa was the only Malawian to take home an award.
AfBC honours outstanding Africans in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and social development.
Categories include Entrepreneur of the Year, Technology and Innovation Excellence, African Women in Business Excellence, International Trade Excellence, Healthcare Business Excellence and the Ubuntu Social Enterprise Excellence Award.
Unlike many awards that focus on commercial success, the Ubuntu Social Enterprise Excellence Award recognises individuals whose work has created measurable impact among marginalised communities.
According to the award citation, she was recognised for decades of dedicated service in education, humanitarian response, women’s and girls’ empowerment, leadership development and inclusive community transformation across Africa and beyond.
Her efforts to promote inclusive education, disability inclusion, humanitarian response, gender equality and economic empowerment reflected the very principles that the award seeks to celebrate.
In an interview, she said the recognition demonstrates the transformative potential of African women when provided with opportunities and support.
“I carry the hopes of many girls who dream of becoming leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and change-makers. This award is proof that our stories matter, our voices matter and our leadership matters,” she said.
Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence Africa chairperson Lingalireni Mihowa says the recognition reflects Malawi’s growing progress in elevating women into positions of influence and decision-making.
She believes such achievements provide important role models for younger generations of girls aspiring to leadership positions.
Women’s Legal Resource Centre executive director Maggie Kathewera-Banda said Mpokosa’s achievement demonstrates that women can be entrusted with leadership responsibilities and deliver results.
“When women are being recognised at that high level, it sends a very powerful message to society that women are capable leaders and change-makers,” she said.
