The Forbes Africa 30 under 30 is an annual prestigious listing of young people making waves in various industries. The list features influential young people making a huge impact across the continent. Last year the list comprised of 90 young people but this year the list has 120. This is because there are now 4 categories namely sport, creatives, technology and business with 30 young people per category. All these 120 youths are acknowledged for being thought leaders, contributors and agents of transformation in taking the African continent forward. This year 7 young Zimbabweans managed to make it onto the list – last year it was 4.

Kim Jayde

Kim is an award-winning TV host on MTV Africa who was born and raised in Zimbabwe later on moving to SA in her teens. She is a media personality, a model and is a popular MC in SA. She’s also a fashion and travel blogger who has entered endorsement deals with several big brands. Some of her endorsement contracts are/were with Puma, Ackermans, Accessorize, Revlon, Coca Cola, amongst others.

Terence Mathe

He is an auditor by profession but also owns a company that majors in the provision of incineration services. Most of his major clients are funeral parlours, hospitals and clinics. His business is so reputable that he was once awarded a contract to dispose of highly classified electoral documents for an EU Observer Mission team.

Khanyisile Madonko-Nderezina

His focus is on assisting young people to be successful entrepreneurs. To achieve this he operates a business development and consultancy business. He is currently based in neighbouring South Africa. His company is called Sakhile Madonko Enterprises which he founded in 2015. He’s the Founder and Executive Director whilst also being the Head Consultant in Sakhile Madonko Consulting (a division of Sakhile Madonko Enterprises). He believes the answer to economic development in Africa lies in fostering entrepreneurship. He has spearheaded projects in countries such as Zimbabwe, Dubai and Nigeria.

Willford Mwanza

Robotics is his field where he owns a business called FordOlutions. The thrust of his company is to offer training for robotics applications in easy to understand ways. He uses NXT Lego robots in various practical applications for small to medium enterprises and government entities. He’s a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and Mandela Washington Fellow.

Shoriwa Shaun Benjamin

He owns a company that has a diversified portfolio of services in the ICTs domain. The company specializes in mobile app development, web services and videography. He’s a web developer who specializes in PHP and lots more other web technologies.

Melissa Messe S Mwale

She has broad interests in the digital sector and also has on online fashion store called Hive Incorporation. She also has a bitcoin trading platform called CryptoGem for whom she is cofounder. She is also the founder of MeSse Beauty which sells beauty products. A percentage of the revenue is used to educate and better the lives of underprivileged girls. Her passion is in creating innovative digital solutions for Africa. She believes that tech will foster empowerment and transparency on the continent. That’s why she has businesses in the internet, blockchain and tech-enabled fashion domains.

Gilmore Tee Moyo

He is the founder and creative director of an organization called Paper Bag Africa. This is an organization which focuses on organizing youth-oriented activities in the arts arena. So the organization is basically into public relations and consultancy. He is also a content creator plus he is a radio and TV host. He has collaborated with forums such as Zimbabwe Music Awards, Shoko Festival and Durban Fashion Fair, amongst others.

 

I believe going through this article young people must be inspired to break forth and show the world what they’ve got. Africa is a very young continent i.e. the vast majority are young people aged below 30 (currently around 70%). This means the future of this country, this continent and abroad lies squarely in the hands of the young people. I would like to specially congratulate all these 7 young people for the recognition that they’ve been given. It’s my confidence that you’ll continue doing more and grooming other young people to dream big and do great things.