The passionate leaders driving our mission to empower Africa's next generation
Our team is composed of dedicated professionals committed to transforming Africa through leadership development. Each member brings unique expertise and passion to our mission.
Tatenda King is a renowned leadership expert, teacher, author, diplomat, and youth advocate whose passion is to raise a generation of purpose-driven leaders. With a clear vision of a world where every individual is a leader maximizing their potential, he is committed to inspiring leadership that transforms communities and nations. He is the author of impactful works including Young and Bold for Leadership, Start With A Dream, Becoming the Best of Your Leadership, and Gifted Gift, as well as the 5-Part Leadership Guide Series focused on purpose, vision, potential, relationships, and character. With a strong passion for equipping young people in discovering their purpose and unlocking their potential, Tatenda has championed youth empowerment on multiple platforms. As a diplomat and youth advocate, he works to advance youth development and inclusion, advocating for systems that empower the next generation. Through The King Leadership and The King Leadership Institute, he continues to engage organizations, institutions, and communities in leadership transformation that is bold, principled, and purpose-centered.
Chipo Edlawit Matsikure is a food technologist by profession and ISO 9001:2015 Auditor.A prominent figure in the STEM field who enjoys expressing and exploring creativity by designing and modeling new threads. Driven by curiosity and a passion to push beyond boundaries
Pythias Chidavaenzi is a research and data analyst specializing in statistical consultancy. He currently works at Lorimak Africa and has experience in various analytical roles across different sectors. His expertise includes statistical analysis, data visualization, and business intelligence, using tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SPSS, and R Programming. He holds a degree in Applied Statistics from Midlands State University and has worked on various projects related to market research, financial forecasting, and customer satisfaction analysis. Throughout his career, he has engaged in multiple analytical roles, including positions at Mudzi Rural District Counci, Advance Panel Beaters, and many other organizations.
Tanaka Madume is a development practitioner, faith leader, and visionary with a strong passion for empowering communities across Africa. He serves as the Founder of Divine Commission International Ministries and is a dedicated pastor, widely recognized as a prophetic voice and spiritual mentor. Tanaka is also an author, passionate worshipper, and Ambassador at Next Leaders Forum, where he contributes to shaping the next generation of African leaders. His work bridges faith, development, and leadership with a focus on impact and transformation.
Merciful Manatsa is a Results-driven Marketing and PR professional with 6 years of experience driving brand awareness and engagement. Holder of a degree in English and Communications, complemented by a certificate in Retail Management. Founder of Royal Women of Purpose, empowering women to discover their worth, root in faith, and live purposefully. Passionate about crafting compelling narratives and fostering meaningful connections
Brian Mudereri is a young and driven individual with a dual passion for partnership development and technical expertise in high voltage engineering. As a dedicated Director of Partnerships and Resource Development, he excels in creating collaborative opportunities and securing essential resources for impactful projects. Brian is skilled in building strategic partnerships to maximize growth and sustainability, fostering meaningful relationships with stakeholders and donors to drive organizational success. With innovative strategies, he leverages resources effectively for the benefit of the organization and its mission. In addition to his professional role, Brian is deeply passionate about inspiring youth to become visionaries and spreading the message of God's love worldwide.
Darlington Nyakudya serves on the board, leading the organisation’s efforts in innovation and research, with a focus on shaping leadership learning that resonates with young people. Inspired by how individuals collaborate to build what benefits their communities, he brings a perspective rooted in sustainability, design, and structured delivery. Darlington is passionate about fostering long-lasting improvement and ensuring operations are thoughtfully considered from the outset. He believes that “the most effective change is intentional, sustainable, and built with care for what comes next.”
Steve Joseph is a First-Class Film and Theatre Arts graduate with over 21 merit awards in the arts, including recognition from Allied Arts and DStv. He is the founding director of Evest97 Pvt Ltd, Media Director at GAMI since 2017, and Project Director for the EFZ Youth Board in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Steve has directed and edited multiple short films and TV series that aired on ZBC, and published his debut book on Amazon in 2022. A committed Pastor, he empowers youth and communities through faith, media, and the arts.
Lovejoy Makunike is a certified social worker whose work is deeply rooted in advancing child protection and strengthening community systems. With a passion for safeguarding vulnerable children and empowering families, Lovejoy brings both professional expertise and heartfelt commitment to every initiative he leads and supports. His work spans child safeguarding, psychosocial support, family strengthening, and community-based interventions designed to promote sustainable development. Lovejoy believes that protecting children goes beyond responding to harm—it requires building resilient families, informed communities, and collaborative partnerships that create safe, nurturing environments where every child can thrive. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with schools, community leaders, parents, and development partners to design and implement programs that address social vulnerabilities, promote children’s rights, and enhance community well-being. His approach integrates evidence-based practice with culturally responsive engagement, ensuring that solutions are both impactful and sustainable. Driven by integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of social justice, Lovejoy Makunike remains committed to creating communities where children are protected, families are empowered, and development is inclusive.
Valerie Mugoni is a dynamic faith-based speaker and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering others. As the founder of Girl Get Up Trust (GGUT) and Women In Business Initiative (WIBI), she is passionate about fostering growth and development. With a background in engineering, Valerie has successfully diversified her interests, establishing herself as a multifaceted business leader. She currently serves as the Director of Enterprise and Empowerment for the Next Leaders Forum, further amplifying her impact. Her greatest passion lies in empowering youths, particularly in business and leadership, inspiring the next generation to reach their full potential.