Scholarship Programme for
Leadership Development
A pool of young leaders committed to facilitating greater cooperation between African countries will play a critical role in achieving the continent’s future success.
Nkosana Moyo
MINDS Founder
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The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was successfully launched in 2017, bringing to realisation our vision of developing young leaders who have a continent-wide development mindset and leaders who can facilitate greater cooperation between African countries.
The Scholarship Programme enables African students to study in an African country other than their home country and in this way immerse themselves in richness and diversity that the country and its communities has to offer. By broadening access to education, we see the expansion of openness to ideas and the creation of a network of like-minded leaders who will help promote the performance and tangible progress of our continent. There is no doubt that a more integrated African economy of global scale will accelerate growth, generate positive outcomes and benefit all its communities.
MEET OUR SCHOLARS
Scholar
Anopa Murambiwa
My journey in law began with a passion for human rights, inspired by my mother’s humanitarian work and my father’s legacy as a historian. Yet through my studies, I discovered a strong resonance with trade law—especially in the context of regional development in Africa.
The MINDS Scholarship has empowered me to delve deeper into Africa’s trade integration efforts. I’ve realised that while the African Union and various regional economic communities outline grand integration frameworks, member states often act in contradiction to these ideals. This disconnect sparked my academic interest and career ambition to contribute to a more harmonised, cooperative Africa. My coursework in Law and Regional Integration has allowed me to explore the political, legal, and economic interplay of institutions like SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS, and the AfCFTA.
Scholar
Generosa Mwanyangapo
My name is Generosa Mwanyangapo from Namibia, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Anthropology at the University of Cape Town. Anthropology has given me the tools to question deeply—exploring both the obvious and the hidden aspects of life—and to engage with complex social issues through an empathetic and inquisitive lens.
The MINDS Scholarship has enabled me to explore interdisciplinary questions around social justice, violence, mental health, and food insecurity—particularly in the African context. I am passionate about understanding how people make sense of their worlds, especially those heavily shaped by violence, and the systems that shape those experiences. My academic and lived experience have shown me that many of Africa’s most pressing problems are not simply about policy gaps, but about how our systems fail to consider culture, history, and context.
Scholar
Lyn Nzioka
My name is Lyn Nzioka from Kenya, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Electrical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. I bring with me a background in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nairobi, and I’ve enriched that technical foundation with a postgraduate diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship through the AFRETEC programme.
The MINDS Scholarship has made it possible for me to continue my research into secure, energy-efficient communication networks—particularly in the context of Next Generation Networks (NGNs) and the Internet of Things (IoT). My current focus is on the security, efficiency, and reliability of wireless communication, particularly for IoT and sensor networks used in smart homes, health monitoring, and remote sensing. I’m exploring low-power communication methods, including ambient backscatter, which lets small devices send data by reflecting existing signals, saving energy and reducing costs. This could enable more affordable and secure tech solutions, especially in areas with limited power or internet access.
Scholar
Vimbai Charmaine Chitere
I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, building on my undergraduate studies in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. Though I initially imagined myself in chemical engineering, I eventually found my path in metallurgy—a shift that turned out to be a perfect fit, especially given my love for chemistry. My professional and academic journey has deepened my interest in sustainable mineral resource development and the formalisation of small-scale mining across Africa.
The MINDS Scholarship has enabled me to explore my passions more intentionally. I’m particularly focused on transforming the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector in Zimbabwe. Despite producing over 60% of the country’s gold, this sector remains largely informal, under-regulated, and dangerous. I believe in reforming policy, business models, and licensing systems to protect workers and support the long-term viability of small-scale mining.
Scholar
Melissa Muchiri
My name is Melissa Muchiri from Kenya, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in City and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Town. With an undergraduate background in the Social Sciences, I found a natural academic home in City and Regional Planning—where disciplines intersect, and where I could apply my diverse interests in spatial justice, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
The MINDS Scholarship has empowered me to explore the fast-changing dynamics of African cities, while adopting a Pan-African lens. As the continent continues to urbanise at record speed, I believe there is an urgent need to proactively plan for inclusive, ecologically sustainable, and context-specific urban futures. My Master’s research focuses on the role of business hubs and incubators within township small business ecosystems. I want to better understand how these spaces operate, who they serve, and how they can strengthen local entrepreneurship without replicating exclusionary patterns.
Scholar
Yenzokuhle Shongwe
I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. At just 21 years old, I’m driven by a creative and Pan-African spirit to reimagine African cities through inclusive, locally relevant planning.
The MINDS Scholarship has provided me the opportunity to deepen my skills in spatial analysis, planning interventions, and community engagement—always through a decolonial lens. I believe African cities have been long shaped by imported planning models, often neglecting the lived realities of local people. My mission is to change this by advocating for context-specific planning that centres on equity, access, and dignity.
Scholar
Murielle Ngoie
My name is Murielle Ngoie. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in South Africa, I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Economics and Finance at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. With a diverse professional background spanning fintech, community service, and financial literacy advocacy, I am deeply committed to driving inclusive financial transformation across Africa.
The MINDS Scholarship has enabled me to strengthen my academic foundation in finance and economics, bridging theory with my real-world experience in business development and digital financial services. Over the last five years, I have worked in the fintech space—developing customer service platforms, managing prepaid debit card solutions, and supporting diaspora financial inclusion. From JCI leadership to grassroots community support in Gauteng, my journey has been shaped by the belief that ethical, accessible finance is key to economic dignity.
Scholar
Privy Mzizi
Privy is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil and Water Engineering at the University of Cape Town. He previously graduated with honours in Civil Engineering from the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. Privy is deeply committed to sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development, particularly addressing critical issues such as increasing water scarcity. He has actively participated in projects aimed at enhancing water and road infrastructure. Privy envisions a politically united and economically stable Africa, free from the burden of diseases and equipped with advanced infrastructure. His goal is to contribute to the continent’s development by shaping policies through research and pushing the boundaries of innovation. In addition to his academic pursuits, Privy actively engages in initiatives that promote sustainable development and community resilience.
Scholar
Nothando Phuti
Passionate about the fast-tracking of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Nothando Phuti is pursuing a Master of Arts in Migration and Displacement at the University of the Witwatersrand to deepen her understanding of Africa’s migration management systems and their impact. She envisions a united and integrated Africa where the African passport facilitates the free movement of people, goods, and services. Nothando believes this will unlock untapped markets, create jobs, and provide opportunities beyond congested cities, fostering trade and development within the continent. By moving away from colonial-era migration governance that imposes arbitrary national borders, she aims to address unequal access to education, opportunities, and resources. Her ultimate goal is to unite the people of Africa and achieve equitable prosperity, ensuring that all Africans benefit from the continent’s growth and development.
Scholar
Kenneth Paa Kwesi Agyir
Kenneth is pursuing a Master’s in Development Policy and Practice at the University of Cape Town. With a background in law, Kenneth is passionate about developing sustainable resource-based economic growth through effective legal regulation, governance, and policy. He aims to leverage his Africa-focused development policy and governance skills to work with development institutions across the continent. Kenneth is dedicated to ensuring that natural resource-based economic development is balanced with environmental accountability. He envisions an Africa where economic growth benefits all while safeguarding the environment for future generations. Actively involved in policy research and forums, Kenneth advocates for equitable prosperity through sustainable management of Africa’s abundant natural resources. His commitment extends to promoting transparent governance and climate-conscious development strategies, aiming to mitigate inequality, protect biodiversity, and build resilient communities across Africa.
Scholar
Tefo Ntsane
Tefo is studying at the University of Cape Town, bringing his expertise in healthcare to a new environment. Passionate about transforming healthcare in Africa, Tefo envisions an economically free and healthy continent where everyone has access to quality healthcare services. Actively involved in health awareness campaigns and community health initiatives, he aims to build world-class healthcare systems that improve health standards across the continent. Tefo believes that better healthcare will lead to increased productivity, enabling Africans to contribute to the continent’s development fully. His commitment to addressing the poor state of healthcare in many African countries drives his mission to enhance the well-being of African citizens and promote economic freedom and prosperity for all.
Scholar
Lassana Ndiaye
Lassana is studying towards a Master’s degree in Geo-Information Science For Natural Resources Management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. His work is dedicated to empowering local communities to manage natural resources sustainably. Actively involved in various conservation and sustainable development projects, Lassana aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. He envisions a resilient Africa that responsibly harnesses its natural resources while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. Passionate about sustainable land management, natural resource conservation, and disaster risk reduction, he strives to address pressing environmental challenges in Africa.
Scholar
Hassan Isak
Hassan is enhancing his expertise in Legal Advocacy at the University of Cape Town. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Mogadishu University, Hassan founded the Samale Law Firm, an organisation based in Mogadishu that provides legal representation in civil and criminal litigations. He is passionate about environmental issues and sustainability development, working part-time as a volunteer to raise awareness and engage in environmental activities. Hassan’s professional work includes developing legal frameworks to protect community rights and promote sustainability. He envisions a united Africa characterised by good governance and prosperity. In addition to his studies, Hassan actively participates in community service and clean-up drives, demonstrating his commitment to both legal advocacy and environmental stewardship.
Scholar
Khamis William Khormai Kuol
Khamis is pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech, Morocco. With a passion for human rights, Khamis aims to become a human rights defender, advocating for improved governance in Africa. He believes that good governance is essential for development, paving the way for advancements in infrastructure, science, and research. Khamis envisions an Africa that fully utilises its abundant natural resources sustainably to lift its population out of poverty. Beyond academics, he is actively involved in initiatives that promote human rights and good governance, striving to create a better future for all Africans.
Scholar
Tlotliso Mokomane
Tlotliso is currently studying at the University of Cape Town, aspiring to become a proficient professional in spatial science and a leader in her field. Her research focuses on developing methodologies to document forced removals, with case studies including District Six and Die Vlakte in South Africa. Tlotliso is passionate about addressing historical injustices and envisions a united Africa characterised by development and equality for all. Her academic journey at UCT is a crucial step toward achieving these ambitious goals.
Scholar
Diana Murigu
Diana, specialising in Urban Planning at the University of Cape Town, graduated summa cum laude in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nairobi. She is dedicated to empowering marginalised groups through policy and practical interventions, fostering an inclusive and equitable Africa. Diana’s work focuses on creating responsive urban solutions that address social equity and improve the quality of life in underrepresented communities. Her current Master’s studies will be instrumental in helping her bridge the gap between policy and practice, enabling her to make a tangible impact. Actively involved in community development, Diana volunteers her time to various projects, demonstrating her commitment to enabling spaces for sustainable and inclusive growth in urban areas.
Scholar
Kudakwashe Chawadya
Kudakwashe is advancing his expertise in Development Finance at the University of Cape Town and has significant experience working with financial institutions on sustainable energy investments. He is passionate about addressing Africa’s energy gap, aiming to attract finance for energy development projects and influence policy to create a favourable environment for investment. With over 600 million people in Africa lacking access to reliable electricity, Kudakwashe envisions a future where every African has access to sustainable energy. He is driven by a passion for researching renewable energy technologies and exploring innovative solutions to close the energy gap.
Scholar
Ephraim Adongo
Ephraim Adongo is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Cape Town. He is passionate about establishing an African-centered technology solutions company that caters to the needs of the African community. Ephraim believes that healthcare is a fundamental right and is working on a project to provide easy access to quality healthcare services through technology. He co-founded a tech company that provides solutions from website creation to building mobile applications, cloud services, data management, data analysis, machine learning, and prediction models.
Ephraim and his team are working on a project to link doctors, hospitals, patients, and pharmacies on a single platform to provide easy access to healthcare services. They hope to launch this project soon. Ephraim is committed to building a sustainable future for Africa by providing access to technology and healthcare for all.
Scholar
Cornelius Chen-Chen
Scholar
Ahmad Ahmed
Ahmad is pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science at the University of Cape Town. Committed to leveraging technology for social impact, he focuses on artificial intelligence and software development to address challenges in education and healthcare. Passionate about bridging the digital divide, Ahmad works to ensure equitable access to digital resources and digital literacy across Africa, fostering socioeconomic advancement and inclusive growth. He envisions an Africa where technology drives sustainable development and empowers communities. Ahmad is dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote digital inclusion. Through innovative solutions, he strives to create meaningful social change and enhance the quality of life across the continent.
Scholar
Adeline Pivoine Gusenga
Adeline is currently expanding her knowledge with a Master of Science in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology from Makerere University. Adeline is deeply committed to improving health outcomes in Africa through her focus on immunology and microbiology research. Her work, driven by a passion for creating health resilience and equity, confronts the region’s infectious diseases. Adeline’s ultimate aim is to reduce Africa’s reliance on foreign pharmaceuticals and bolster local clinical trial research, ensuring medications and vaccines are developed and tested within the continent using African resources and talent. She envisions a future Africa that fully utilises its natural resources, a continent living in peace, free of poverty and preventable diseases. Adeline actively participates in medical outreach programs and research initiatives.
Scholar
Gemma Lwizi
Gemma is studying toward a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Analytics at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. Passionate about education in the digital sector, Gemma believes that the future is digital and that Africa must not be left behind. She envisions a united African continent, leveraging digital advancements for growth and development. In addition to her academic pursuits, Gemma is actively involved in initiatives that promote digital literacy and education access in Zambia, aiming to empower the next generation with the skills needed for a digital future.
Scholar
Vicent Mwita
Vincent is advancing his studies at Makerere University. His goal is to establish a crop tissue culture laboratory and work with local researchers to diagnose and mitigate emerging diseases. Vicent is deeply concerned about employment issues and food security, driven by high youth unemployment and poor farming methods. He envisions empowered local communities in Tanzania, capable of leveraging technology and local resources to tackle critical challenges. By improving farming techniques and introducing innovations like plant biotechnology, Vicent aims to create visible, positive transformations. He sees a future where local farmers achieve sustainable yearly production and thrive.
HOW IT WORKS
MINDS’ offers scholarships to Africans who wish to pursue post-graduate studies within Africa, outside of their own countries. Through tailored leadership development activities, the MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to nurture leaders who have a continental development mindset; leaders who will facilitate greater cohesion and cooperation between African countries.
MINDS Scholarships are applicable to full-time studies of a one or two-year Honors or Master’s degree at one of the MINDS preferred institutions (listed below). MINDS does not prescribe the course to be studied.
The Scholarship will cover some or all of the expenses below, depending on whether a partial or full scholarship is awarded:
- Tuition
- Accommodation and meals
- One return ticket per duration of studies
- A fixed stipend.
Individuals with a Pan-African outlook, demonstrated leadership ability and an excellent academic record who wish to study on the African continent, outside their home country are invited to apply for the scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria
MINDS Scholarships are awarded to meritorious applicants following a rigorous selection process. To be considered for a MINDS Scholarship, you must:
- Be a national of an African country, residing in any African country
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
- Have obtained at least 70% in each subject/ course in the last two completed years of study
- Produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions/ requirements set out in the application form
- Submit a complete online application form (see below) with the required supporting documentation.
List of Preferred Institutions:
To be eligible to receive a MINDS Scholarship, an applicant must have been accepted to study at one of the following institutions:
EAST AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, Rwanda
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Strathmore University, Kenya
SOUTHERN AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Mauritius
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
NORTH AFRICA
- Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Université Mohammed V, Morocco
WEST AFRICA
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
- University of Development Studies, Ghana
Applying for a MINDS Scholarship
MINDS is currently receiving applications from students who commence their studies in 2018/2019. Interested individuals are invited to submit applications as soon as they receive official acceptance from a MINDS preferred university at which they wish to study. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.
If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you can submit your application by clicking on the link below. Please have the following documents scanned, saved and ready for uploading. All documents uploaded must be in PDF format. Each attachment should not exceed 2MB in size.
- A copy of the data/ bio page of your passport.
- A certified academic transcript/ results slip of the last two years of study.
- A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university. The letter must:
- Be addressed to the applicant.
- State the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study.
- State the academic year at which the degree will commence.
- State the duration of the course (e.g. one year).
- A copy of a valid study permit or visa OR proof of application. (Optional)
- A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than four (4) single sided pages.
- Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of integrity, their competency and/or potential as a leader and their commitment to the development of the African continent.
Guidance
Applying for a MINDS Scholarship? We offer some guidance:
- Ensure that you meet ALL of the requirements set out and upload ALL of the required documents. Applications that do not meet requirements or for which all required documentation has not been provided are immediately disqualified. Do not get yourself disqualified because you’re in a hurry to submit an application. Rather take the time to ensure that you meet the requirements and to gather all of the required documents before submitting an application.
- We are looking for individuals with a Pan-African outlook, strong leadership potential and a track record of academic excellence. Your application must demonstrate these elements convincingly.
- We encourage applicants to consider universities that are outside of South Africa. Most applications received to date have been for South African institutions and there are limited numbers that can be awarded to each university. This means that competition is stiffer for South African institutions.
- There are two scholarships available for South African citizens wishing to study elsewhere in Africa.
- We have set aside scholarships for studies that relate to Actuarial Sciences, Business Sciences and Accounting. If you wish to conduct such studies at any of the South African, Kenyan and Nigerian institutions that are on our preferred list, do not miss the opportunity to apply. Ensure that you meet the requirements before submitting an application.
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- How does MINDS define the applicant’s own or home country?
MINDS defines “own” or “home” country as the applicant’s country of citizenship AND their country of residence. For example, if you are a Zimbabwean citizen who is resident in South Africa, you can only apply for a MINDS scholarship if you have been accepted to study at one of the universities on the MINDS Preferred Institutions list that is NOT in Zimbabwe or South Africa. You will NOT be eligible for a MINDS scholarship if you wish to study in Zimbabwe or South Africa.
- How much is the fixed stipend?
Each student’s stipend will be individually calculated depending on a number of factors. Therefore, the value of the stipend will be disclosed to beneficiaries of the MINDS scholarships.
- How were the universities that are on the list of MINDS Preferred Institutions selected?
MINDS selected the universities by taking into account the following factors:
- University ranking against other universities in Africa,
- Geographic coverage and distribution,
- Proven track record in furthering cooperation among African countries, and
- Historical significance.
- How long will it take for me to get a response from MINDS?
On submission of the application, you will receive an email confirming receipt of the application. MINDS will contact you as early as possible within two months of submitting your application