Zimbabwean youth and women’s rights activist Namatai Kwekweza has been named the 2025 Laureate of the German Africa Award, becoming the youngest recipient in the award’s history. The 26-year-old is being honoured for her courageous advocacy for democracy, rule of law, and political participation in Zimbabwe, despite operating under increasing state repression.

Kwekweza is the founder of WELEAD Trust, an organisation she launched at just 18 to train young leaders and champion their inclusion in governance and decision-making processes. Her work has made her a prominent voice for accountability, civil liberties, and constitutional reform.

Despite facing multiple arrests and sustained intimidation, Kwekweza has remained steadfast in her mission to empower young people, especially young women, to shape their political future. Her activism reflects a broader wave of youth-led movements across Africa, where Generation Z is increasingly demanding transparency, participation, and social justice.

The German Africa Foundation said it is recognising Kwekweza for her “courageous commitment, leadership skills and inspirational role model status.” The award will be presented by Julia Klöcker, President of the German Bundestag.

I am very keen to use the award as an opportunity to bring about the voices of the young people that I work with in Zimbabwe, but also the stories of the young people across the continent. – Namatai Kwekweza

The 2024 German Africa Award went to Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, for her pioneering work in sustainable urban development.