Thokozani Unyolo: Award-winning marketer, women advocate

As a young girl, Thokozani Unyolo dreamt of being a doctor to help others.

However, growing up, she realised her passion was not in looking at and working with suffering people daily.

She settled for business administration and building a career as a Pan African business and marketing executive.

In 2017, Thokozani won Marketer of the Year Award, becoming the first woman to be crowned such.

She has over 20 years of expertise in building brands and business with an outstanding track record of excellence in execution and success in a competitive multinational landscape across 16 African nations such as, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Thokozani has also won the Airtel Africa Top 7 Talent for 2014 and 2020 and the Champion of Equality by Age Africa in 2021.

She was also recognised as 100 Inspiring Women in Malawi 2023, CMO Council Advisory Board in Sub- Saharan Africa, Successful Women Powerful Women GIBS Women 2023 and Women to Watch in Malawi 2024.

She says she wrote a vision and blueprint while working for Airtel Africa Group 2014 in Kenya on becoming chief executive officer and a personal development plan focusing on continuous learning to achieving that position.

“I also prayed about it throughout the journey and I had 10 steps I followed. Putting God first was the first thing and my anchor verse was Ephesians 3:20,” she said.

She is Air Cargo Limited Malawi chief executive officer since last year.

Thokozani gives back her time and knowledge to the Malawian child through mentorship.

She ensures diverse voices, including women to heard and valued within her organisation which is male-dominated, especially in recruitment processes

“I established mentorship and sponsorship programmes that pair women with mentors or sponsors who can provide guidance and advocacy for career advancement.

“Investment in leadership development programmes tailored to women’s needs to prepare them for leadership roles within the organization,” she said.

As a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, Thokozani recently spearheaded the launch of the #Lift Her Up programme at her institution dedicated to supporting women in various aspects of their lives.

The programme focuses on enhancing professional and financial wellbeing, promoting physical, mental health and entrepreneurship.

In collaboration with Old Mutual, the programme offers sustainable money management sessions and access to networking opportunities across the country.

The goal of the #Lift Her Up programme is to create an inclusive environment that empowers women to reach their full potential and inspire others through their success stories.

Thokozani emphasizes the vital role women play in driving societal and economic progress and is committed to breaking down barriers hindering their advancement.

Reflecting on her own experiences as a leader in the Airlines and Aviation sector, she acknowledges the challenges of being the only woman in the room during meetings.

However, she navigates these situations with assertiveness and confidence, ensuring her voice is heard and respected.

She maintains an open-door policy and encourages one-on-one meetings with staff members, providing them with opportunities to attend networking events and conferences.

Thokozani serves as Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Alumni Business Club secretary, supporting entrepreneurs and business owners by fostering a supportive community.

For aspiring women leaders in male-dominated industries, she emphasizes the importance of crafting a personal and professional blueprint, leveraging strengths and mentorship.

Looking towards the future, she envisions increased access to aviation education for girls through scholarships.

She believes this will not only cultivate a pipeline for future female leaders, but also contribute to gender equality and empowerment within the industry.

Drawing inspiration from notable figures such as Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela,and Bob Collymore, Thokozani emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with trusted advisers for guidance and support on the journey to greatness.

She encourages young women aspiring for greatness to be bold, chart their own path, embody integrity, effective time management, collaboration, firmness, focus, perseverance, strong character building, self-confidence and communication skills.

Like many career women, she diligently balances her professional and personal life.

“Evenings, weekends and holidays are precious times for me to spend with my family. Attending family events and being present is a priority for me and I take leave when necessary,” she said.

Her favourite book is Becoming by Michelle Obama.

Thokozani got her Bachelor of Business administration from the University of Namibia. She has a master of Business Administration from GIBS.

Born on April 23, 1981 at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, she is the youngest of 10 siblings.

She is grateful to her late parents Steven Jailosi and Chrissie Mijiga who played a pivotal role in grounding her spiritually, teaching her culinary skills, nurturing her dreams and shaping her into the person she is today.

Thokozani is married to Kuzeni Unyolo and they have a son Paul Unyolo. During her leisure time, she enjoys travelling, reading, gardening, journaling and engaging in enriching conversations with friends.