Zimbabwean entrepreneur wins prestigious US Award

A Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Freedom Mukanga, has been honoured with the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Leadership Impact Award, emerging top among more than 7 800 fellows from 49 Sub-Saharan African countries.

The recognition was announced by the United States Embassy in Harare, which praised Mukanga for his exceptional leadership, innovation and tangible impact on youth empowerment in Zimbabwe.

"Out of more than 7,800 Mandela Washington Fellows across 49 Sub-Saharan African countries, Freedom Mukanga from Zimbabwe rises to the top," the embassy said in a statement posted on social media.

Mukanga was selected for the award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and measurable community impact, particularly through entrepreneurship training and mentorship programmes that have empowered hundreds of young Zimbabweans.

According to the U.S. Embassy, Mukanga has used skills and networks gained through the Mandela Washington Fellowship to equip young people with practical business knowledge, leadership skills and opportunities for economic self-reliance.

"Through entrepreneurship training and mentorship, he has empowered hundreds of young Zimbabweans, demonstrating the lasting value of U.S. exchange programs," the embassy said.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), is designed to nurture young African leaders by providing academic training, leadership development and professional networking opportunities in the United States.

Mukanga's achievement places Zimbabwe firmly on the continental map for youth leadership excellence and highlights the growing role of young entrepreneurs in driving social and economic transformation.

The award also underscores the broader impact of international exchange programmes in fostering innovation, leadership and cross-border collaboration among Africa's emerging leaders.