Dr. Joyce Banda is the former President of Malawi, the second female president in Africa’s history. Forbes magazine has ranked her as the most influential woman in Africa, and the 40th most influential woman in the world.

With such a CV, it is not surprising that she is also the Honorary Chancellor of the Akilah Institute, where Africa’s female leaders are educated to solve the world’s most pressing problems, through a lens of opportunity and sustainability.

Dr. Joyce Banda speaks at Akilah’s Graduation Ceremony of 2018

Dr. Banda has been Akilah’s Honorary Chancellor since 2017. Speaking at our Class of 2018’s graduation ceremony last November, she emphasized the importance of creating a generation of female leaders for Africa, so that the continent can fulfill its destiny in what will be remembered as ‘Africa’s Century’.

“Women must participate in leadership in Africa, at all levels. But for that to happen, we must have trained women… And Akilah is here at the right time, to provide that opportunity.” — Dr Joyce Banda.

Watch the video below to hear directly from this inspirational African female leader:

As Akilah’s Honorary Chancellor, Dr. Banda plays a strategic role in our growth plans and provides advisory support as the institute identifies new campus locations, diploma programs, and education products to better serve women across Africa.

The Akilah Institute is Rwanda’s first women’s college. The Akilah Foundation is a registered non-profit in the United States. You can support the Akilah Foundation by donating here.