Chido Cleopatra Mpemba has been making waves with her recent appointment as Advisor on Women, Gender, and Youth to the new AU Chairman.

Mpemba’s journey with the African Union (AU) began in November 2021, when she was appointed as the AU Youth Envoy by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat. As the youngest senior official in the history of the African Union, and the youngest diplomat in the Chairperson’s cabinet, Mpemba has been a trailblazer for youth development issues in Africa. Her role involves advocating for youth inclusion in decision-making processes, promoting policies that address youth unemployment, and ensuring access to quality education and healthcare.

Before joining the AU, Mpemba worked at Standard Chartered Bank in Zimbabwe. She also served as an advisor to the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts for Zimbabwe, working alongside the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry. This diverse background has equipped her with a unique perspective and skillset, enabling her to tackle the complex challenges facing African youth.

Mpemba’s accomplishments extend beyond her work with the AU. She has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential African Women” and featured in the “Top 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent.” Her leadership roles include serving as a Commissioner on the Climate Governance Commission, chaired by former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and as a member of the Leadership Council of AFRICA Reach, chaired by the First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingob.

In addition to her leadership roles, Mpemba has been actively engaged in community development initiatives. She founded Socials With A Purpose, which has impacted young people across Africa, and launched a listening tour campaign, engaging with youth in over 30 countries and planting more than 200 fruit trees for climate action. These initiatives demonstrate her commitment to empowering young people and promoting sustainable development.

Mpemba’s appointment as Advisor on Women, Gender, and Youth to the new AU Chairman is a reflection of her dedication to promoting youth development and gender equality in Africa. Her wealth of experience and achievements make her an asset to the AU, and her work is expected to have a significant impact on the continent’s progress. With her passion, expertise, and leadership skills, Mpemba is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of African women, youth, and communities.