Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, the dynamic and visionary Youth Envoy of the African Union, stands as a rising symbol of Africa’s new leadership, young, bold, intelligent, and unafraid to confront the challenges facing the continent’s largest demographic, its youth. Born in Zimbabwe and educated globally, Mpemba’s journey is one of relentless drive, grounded purpose, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of Africa’s young population to rewrite the story of the continent.
Appointed in November 2021 as the youngest senior official at the African Union Commission, Chido Mpemba stepped into her role with clarity and passion. She assumed office as the second African Union Youth Envoy, succeeding Aya Chebbi of Tunisia, and quickly set herself apart as a focused change agent with an inclusive vision. From the beginning, her mandate was clear, to elevate youth voices, promote engagement with policymakers, and drive transformative policies on employment, climate justice, innovation, gender equity, and digital empowerment.
With Africa’s youth population projected to exceed 850 million by 2050, Mpemba has constantly emphasized the urgency of investing in young people, not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders, creators, and problem solvers. Through her initiative “Intergenerational Dialogues,” she has convened leaders across generations, bridging the gaps between power structures and young voices often sidelined in policy development. Her leadership has fostered a participatory ecosystem where youth are consulted and engaged meaningfully at the highest levels of decision making.
A champion of digital inclusion, Mpemba has spearheaded campaigns and programs that aim to equip African youth with digital skills relevant for the 21st century. From coding bootcamps to advocacy around affordable internet and data access, she has made it a priority to push for a digitally literate Africa where young entrepreneurs and creators can thrive in a connected world. Her vision aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, and she has been instrumental in bringing youth-led tech solutions into continental conversations on innovation and development.
Beyond digital literacy, Mpemba has used her platform to shine a spotlight on peacebuilding and mental health, two issues often under discussed but deeply consequential for Africa’s youth. In post conflict regions and fragile states, she has worked to give young people the tools to become ambassadors of peace, resilience and reconciliation. She has also emphasized the importance of mental well being as a foundational pillar of youth empowerment, recognizing the psychological impact of unemployment, migration, and social instability on young minds.
What makes Chido Mpemba’s work even more remarkable is the authenticity with which she leads. She does not operate from the safety of distance but places herself at the heart of African communities, visiting schools, camps, innovation hubs, and conflict zones. Whether speaking to global leaders at international summits or listening to the aspirations of rural schoolgirls in Sierra Leone, she brings the same conviction and sincerity.
Her leadership has earned recognition across the globe. She has spoken on prominent international platforms including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Africa Climate Summit, constantly reminding global stakeholders that African youth are not just a statistic, they are a force.
Chido Mpemba’s story is one that continues to unfold with purpose. She represents a generation unafraid to lead with integrity and compassion. As Africa finds itself at a critical crossroads of development, climate urgency, digital transformation and democratic accountability, voices like hers offer more than just inspiration, they offer direction.
At a time when the world often speaks about youth, Chido Mpemba insists the world must speak with them, and even more, allow them to lead. Her mission is not just to occupy space at the table, but to ensure that Africa’s youth are building the table, designing the blueprint, and owning the future. In a continent full of potential, Chido Mpemba is helping that potential rise, speak, act, and transform.
