Strategist · Entrepreneur · Global Studies Scholar · Speaker · Traveller
My name isMantate Mlotshwa.
I move between boardrooms and runways, lecture halls and departure lounges, building a life that refuses to leave a single gift unused. I hope my journey gives you permission to live in the fullness of yours.
Africa is the constant. Everything else is strategy.
One commitment, many ways in.
Keynotes, panels and moderation across five regions
Speaking → AdviseStrategy, boards and convening for institutions and founders
Advisory → ExperienceNine years across democracy, rights, governance, media and business
Experience → WriteEssays, research and published stories
Writing → WatchShows and productions that refuse easy answers
Media → BuildU Motle, First Today Africa and real estate
Ventures →Education
Shaped in Harare, Oxford, Connecticut and Sharjah
University of Zimbabwe
Research on the self-efficacy of student leaders
MSc African StudiesUniversity of Oxford
Thesis on female presidential candidates in Africa
Campaign leadershipThe Campaign School at Yale University
Training for those who run for office and run campaigns
MA Global African Studies · In progressThe Africa Institute
Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations
Community Initiatives
Starting where I come from
A borehole for the elders of Nkulumane, school fees for more than 120 children through Lead Girls to School, and sewing machines for rural classrooms. Most of it raised on my birthday.
children’s school fees paid through Lead Girls to School
Nkulumane borehole, still running
Recognition
Featured by the Mastercard Foundation, Lionesses of Africa and International Women’s Day. All press →
A mural in my honour
Painted as a gift in my home city to celebrate trailblazing women from Bulawayo whose work inspires young women across the city and the country.
Read about the murals in The Standard →Best Graduate Research Presentation
The Africa Institute, 2025
30 Under 30 Top Social Entrepreneur
2022
100 Most Influential Zimbabweans Under 40
2020
40 Under 30 Emerging Leaders
Gumiguru Incorporated, 2017
Letters on living fully
New essays, talks and episodes, once or twice a month.