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Zimbabwean Youths are making waves on the continent, taking a centre stage in socio-economic and political affairs. 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 previously a researcher in the South African Parliament and The Rwandan National Commission for the Fight against Genocide.
A researcher and pracademic par excellence, Chigwenya conducted extensive studies on post-conflict peacebuilding and development in Africa.
These studies include reconstruction in post-genocide Rwanda, conflict mediation in South Sudan, comparative analysis of Zimbabwe’s legal framework on reconciliation; 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 about 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.
She recommended the proactive partnering with, training, and building capacities of youth in Mozambique during the 4th open session of the PSC; promoted YPS priorities at the Expert Discussion on ‘Key Outcomes of the EU-AU Summit 2022’ organised by the German Africa Foundation.
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.