Our #MCM today is Phil Mlambo, a Zimbabwean businessman born in Chipinge, a district located in Manicaland Province, eastern Zimbabwe. Growing up in a typical rural peasant background, Mlambo’s breakthrough came when his father sent him to Chikore Mission for secondary education in 1988. This six-year experience shaped his life, teaching him responsibility, accountability, and leadership. Mlambo then enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe, graduating with a BSc Honours in Psychology.
Mlambo’s career in youth development spans over two decades. He began working with street youth rehabilitation at Streets Ahead and later joined Restless Development (formerly SPW Zimbabwe), running programs on adolescent reproductive health education and life skills. In 2005, he became the Executive Director of Junior Achievement (JA) Zimbabwe, a role he held until 2021. During his tenure, Mlambo mainstreamed digital programming as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring business continuity.
In 2021, Mlambo was appointed Chief Operations Officer of JA Africa, a leading international non-profit organization operating in 12 African countries. With his expertise in youth development, entrepreneurship, and business education, Mlambo brings valuable insights to the role. His appointment was hailed by colleagues and partners across Africa, who praised his administrative skills, mobilization abilities, and team-player attitude.
Mlambo’s passion for youth development is evident in his work. He believes in growing people and has expertise in personnel development planning, capacity building, and assessment, staff coaching, and mentorship. Mlambo’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to operationalize visions and build capacity in member nations.
Mlambo holds a Master of Management in Public and Development Management from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. He is also a WK Kellogg Leadership Fellow and participated in the Coca Cola Africa Foundation Transformational Leadership Program at Wharton Business School, Pennsylvania, USA.
As COO of JA Africa, Mlambo continues to inspire and empower young Africans. His dedication to youth development has made a significant impact, and his leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of JA Africa and its mission to prepare young people for the global economy.
Dandaro Online, Zimbabwe Appreciation
