“We often spend years preparing for opportunities, only to question whether we are good enough when they finally arrive. I know because I almost disqualified myself from an opportunity that would eventually take me to Liberia, introduce me to a world beyond my academic background and teach me that leadership begins when we are willing to step into the unknown.”

Returning Home, Finding Purpose

After four years in Europe studying Nutrition and Rural Development at Ghent University and completing an internship with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Italy, I returned home to Zimbabwe eager to contribute to Africa's development.

Yet coming home was not the triumphant moment I had imagined. Like many young professionals, I found myself wondering how my academic training would translate into meaningful impact. What I did know was that I wanted to be part of solving development challenges, not only studying them.

That desire eventually led me to apply for the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship, a decision that would take me to Liberia and challenge many assumptions I held about myself and the development sector.

At first, I almost did not apply. My background was rooted in food science, nutrition and rural development, and I questioned whether I was qualified for a programme linked to such a broad range of development issues. Looking back, I realize that self-doubt was the only thing standing in my way.

In November 2025, I joined UNDP Liberia under the Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainable Development Pillar. What followed was a year of growth, learning and discovery.

Expanding My Understanding of Development

I arrived expecting to work primarily on food systems and livelihoods. Instead, I found myself engaging in areas such as climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, gender equality, youth engagement and social and environmental safeguards.

One of my most significant learning experiences was working on safeguards. Before the fellowship, I had limited exposure to environmental and social risk management. Over time, I gained a deeper understanding that development interventions must not only deliver results but also ensure communities are protected, consulted and included throughout the process.

Field visits to communities experiencing flooding and coastal erosion reinforced these lessons. Seeing the impact of climate change on homes, livelihoods and daily life reminded me that development is ultimately about people. Policies, programmes and projects only matter when they improve people's lives.

The experience also showed me how interconnected development challenges are. Climate resilience affects food security. Gender equality influences access to opportunities and decision-making. Environmental sustainability shapes livelihoods and wellbeing.

Rather than limiting me, my academic background gave me a foundation from which to contribute in new ways. I learned that our qualifications should not define the boundaries of what we can do. Instead, they provide a starting point for continued growth.

Learning to Lead Through Trust

Beyond technical knowledge, the fellowship strengthened my confidence as a leader. One of the most rewarding experiences was supporting the organization of a national youth dialogue that brought together young people from across Liberia to discuss issues affecting their future. The event created a platform for young people to exchange ideas, share perspectives and contribute to national development conversations.

The experience reinforced a simple but powerful lesson; meaningful youth empowerment requires more than participation. Young people need opportunities to lead, influence decisions and take ownership of solutions.

Too often, talented young people are ready to contribute but are not given the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Sometimes, all it takes is a leader willing to say, “I trust you. Take charge, and I will support you.”

For me, that trust made all the difference. It strengthened my confidence, expanded my skills and showed me what becomes possible when young people are empowered to lead.

A Deeper Appreciation of Africa

My time in Liberia was about more than professional growth. Living in West Africa for the first time allowed me to experience the richness and diversity of the continent in a way that no classroom or conference ever could. I built friendships, learned from colleagues and immersed myself in Liberian culture.

Food became one of my favorite gateways to understanding the country. Palm butter soup and potato greens quickly became my favorites. Beyond their flavour, they reflected the ingenuity of local communities and the value of indigenous knowledge.

These experiences deepened my appreciation for the innovation, resilience and knowledge that exist across our continent. They also reinforced the importance of creating more opportunities for young Africans to learn from one another across borders.

A Message to Young African Women

As my fellowship comes to an end, one lesson stands above all others. To every young African woman who has ever questioned whether she belongs in a particular room, programme or leadership space, do not disqualify yourself before giving yourself a chance.

Apply for the opportunity. Raise your hand. Ask the question. Take the chance. Your experiences, perspectives and ideas matter. In many cases, they are exactly what is needed to drive meaningful change.

At the same time, institutions and leaders must continue creating spaces where young women are trusted with responsibility, encouraged to grow and empowered to lead. When young women are given opportunities to succeed, the impact extends far beyond individual careers. It strengthens communities, institutions and future generations.

Looking Ahead

Looking back, I would tell my younger self not to worry about having everything figured out. I would tell her to stay curious, embrace uncertainty and trust the journey ahead.

The African Young Women Leaders Fellowship taught me that growth often begins where certainty ends. It reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to learn, adapt and step forward even when the path is unclear.