High flying industry experts drawn from Africa University’s alumni guide students in ongoing Brown Bag Webinar Series

By Innocent John Mumba and Leandre Jacobs

Africa University’s Brown Bag Webinar Series is gaining momentum as colleges participate in weekly, career-focused engagements aimed at equipping students for life beyond graduation. 

Organised by the Career Advising and Professional Development office alongside the Students Representative Council, the staggered engagements being held under the theme, Empowering Futures: Bridging Education and Employment, reflect a coordinated institutional effort to provide targeted, discipline-specific guidance. Recently, the College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education and the College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences each convened for their respective sessions as part of the five-week series.

The series prioritises students completing their studies in June as well as those preparing to embark on industrial attachments in August 2026. During the session hosted for the College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education on February 12, US-based Africa University alumni,  Ms. Chiedza Juru, Founder and President of Annot Inc and Mrs. Jacklyne Atotso Kezia, a third year PhD student in Theology and Ethics at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary led the discussions centred on professional adaptability, ethical leadership and the evolving demands within policy, education and community development spaces. 

Drawing from her own journey, Ms Juru spoke passionately about innovation in youth, education, and development. She shared how Annot Inc. coaches’ students in Zimbabwe and encourages young people to see education as more than just learning for grades.

“University should not be a waiting room. It must be a launch pad,” she said. “As young Africans, you are not just going out there to look for jobs, but to help solve the challenges the world is facing. Africa needs adaptive, ethical and collaborative leaders.”

She urged students to go into the world not only to gain knowledge but also to help solve global challenges, adding that Africa needs adaptive, ethical and collaborative leaders, especially considering that over 60 percent of the continent’s population is young. 

On her part Ms Kezia, focused on leadership roles for women in faith, community engagement, and faith-based career pathways.

“Women are no longer on the margins in faith spaces. They are becoming chaplains, bishops, advocates and champions of change,” she said. “Leadership in faith must also speak to issues of social justice, gender equality and climate change.”

Her presentation emphasized how theology can shape ethical dialogue and influence action on issues such as social justice, gender equality, and climate change.

Kuda Chitapi, a third-year student studying International Relations, said one of the most powerful lessons for him from the session was Africa’s unique demographic position.

“With one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations, we are in a powerful position, but only if we intentionally develop our skills and remain adaptable to the changing global economy,” he said.

He added that talent alone is not enough and encouraged students to continuously upskill, think globally, and position themselves strategically. 

Meanwhile on February 19, the session for the College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences shifted the focus to innovation-driven sectors, highlighting opportunities in public health, agribusiness, scientific research and environmental sustainability, while underscoring the importance of technical proficiency, problem-solving skills and industry readiness.

Africa University alumna, Mrs. Caroline Mabande, an agribusiness professional, and Mr Vincent Yohanna, a home missionary in the United Methodist Church and certified medical laboratory scientist led the conversations.

Mrs. Mabande addressed youth innovation in agriculture, focusing on empowering young leaders, building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, and the importance of personal branding in career growth. She emphasized that “Africa’s future success depends on sustainable agriculture,” highlighting the critical role youth can play in the continent’s economic and agricultural development.

On the other hand, Mr. Yohanna’s presentation resonated with a wider cross-section of students from across multiple colleges, placing particular emphasis on public health. He explained how he applies his medical laboratory skills in public health, stating: “There are many areas in terms of diagnosis where I am able to work with public health professionals to ensure the well-being of the general public.” He also emphasized the importance of understanding emerging trends in business challenging students to know “how you can fit into the current scope and picture of what is happening in business with your degree.”

 Chitapi urged fellow students to attend such events with open minds.

“Sometimes the most impactful insights come from a peer’s question or someone else’s perspective. Choosing not to attend may mean missing opportunities that could shape your thinking or career direction,” he said.

He concluded by expressing how inspired he was to see Africa University alumni excelling in competitive industries.

“It makes the journey feel real and achievable. I hope one day to be in a similar position, giving back and encouraging the next generation,” he shared.

* Mr Mumba is a third-year English and Communication student, while Miss Jacobs is a first-year Nursing Science student.