By Reginald Tapfumaneyi
Zimbabwean Youths are making waves in the continent, taking leading roles in the region’s political affairs and socio-economic development thrust.
One such Youth is Cynthia Chigwenya who doubles as the current African Union’s Ambassador for Southern Africa and a Program coordinator for Political dialogue for Sub-Saharan Africa at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Prior to that position she was a researcher in the South African Parliament and the Rwandan National Commission for the Fight against Genocide.
Chigwenya conducted extensive studies and research on post-conflict peace building and development in Africa. These included reconstruction in post-genocide Rwanda, conflict mediation in South Sudan, comparative analysis of Zimbabwe’s legal framework on reconciliation and; the transferability of traditional justice mechanisms and administration of preparation grants.
Chigwenya’s academic background is in Criminology, Criminal Justice, and International Studies. She holds an MA in Development Studies and an MPhil in Social Policy and MA in Social Policy and Development.
Her recent work explores inclusive, sustainable development, focusing on climate finance in emerging market economies.
Chigwenya expressed her happiness on the progress she has made since February when she assumed her role.
“I participated in the African Union’s Boarders Programme meeting between Zimbabwe and Zambia over the joint governance of the Zambezi waters. I also advocated for youth inclusivity in peacebuilding during the 6th-anniversary celebration of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250,” said Chigwenya.
Chigwenya and other ambassadors participated in the Continental Dialogue, held in Burundi, after which the Bujumbura Declaration on YPS in Africa was developed and later endorsed by the Peace and Security Council.
