Celebrating the Winners of the Nelson Mandela Essay Prize

In a groundbreaking move, ASAP, together with the University of Zambia and the University of Lusaka, has launched the inaugural Nelson Mandela Essay Prize for Young African Scholars.

This exciting new initiative is designed to recognize and promote the work of emerging African scholars who are addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. In its first year, the competition attracted an impressive range of essays spanning fields such as sustainable development, governance, education, and healthcare.

Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable scholars and the impactful work they have produced.

First Prize: Evaida Chimedza’s Exploration of Africa’s Economic Paradox

The very first recipient of the Nelson Mandela Essay Prize, Evaida Chimedza from Copperbelt University, won the top prize of $2,500 for her essay, “The African Paradox: A Land of Wealth, a People in Need.” Evaida explores the tension between Africa’s abundant natural resources and its persistent challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. Her work proposes innovative solutions to harness Africa’s wealth for the benefit of its people, offering a powerful case for inclusive and sustainable economic growth

Second Prize: Grace Gondwe’s Focus on Education and Civic Engagement

Grace Gondwe from The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation took home the second prize of $1,250 for her essay, “Exploring the Use of Non-Formal Education as a Pathway to Greater Civic Engagement Among African Youth.” Grace emphasizes the importance of non-formal education in engaging African youth in civic and political life. Her research highlights how this form of education can provide young people with the tools they need to become active, informed citizens, helping to shape the future of the continent.

Third Prizes: Fresh Perspectives on Longstanding Problems

The third prizes, valued at $625 each, were awarded to two scholars whose work offers fresh insights into two major challenges facing Africa today:

• Nater Akpen from Benue State University won for his essay “Resolving the Farmer-Herder Crisis in Nigeria’s Central Zone: The Contribution of Trade and Gender Inclusion.” Nater examines the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria, proposing innovative solutions based on trade and gender inclusion to reduce tensions and promote peace.

• Clautrida Mutabaruka from the University of Lusaka was recognized for her essay “Redefining Youth Power: Transforming Mindsets, Integrating Indigenous Peacebuilding Techniques, and Addressing Youth-Driven Violence.” Clautrida calls for empowering African youth as agents of change, using indigenous peacebuilding techniques to address violence and transform communities.

Honorable Mentions: Promising Scholars with Big Ideas

In addition to the winners, seven other finalists received honorable mentions for their impressive work. These scholars will have the opportunity to further develop their essays for publication in Journal ASAP. Their research covers a wide range of topics, from forced migration to climate change, healthcare, and governance, highlighting the diverse perspectives and solutions emerging from young African scholars:

• Vernon Mboozi (Technische Universität Dresden) for “Nature-Backed Finance: Unlocking Africa’s Natural Capital for Sustainable Economic Transformation.”

• Kenneth Okpomo (University of Nigeria) for “Developing Workable Strategies for Stemming the Growing Tide of Forced Migration and Statelessness in Africa.”

• Ali Khatau, MD (Liverpool John Moores University) for “The Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa: Challenges, Drivers, and Pathways to Solutions.”

• Newton Okwuoha (University of Pretoria) for “Innovative Governance for a Resilient Africa: A Blueprint for Global Leadership.”

• Grace Ilota (Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies) for “Assessing the Effects of Charcoal Production on Climate Change: Implications on Climate Financing in Zambia.”

• Immanuel Mwendwa Kiilu & Guy N’nahano Muhanzi for “The Scramble for Belonging: Forced Migration and the Redrawing of Africa’s Map.”

• Carly Burmeister for “Strengthening African Healthcare Systems: Lessons from Cervical Cancer for Local Innovation, Digital Solutions, Holistic Healthcare, and Sustainable Investment.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for African Scholarship

The 2025 Nelson Mandela Essay Prize is just the beginning. This inaugural competition has already proven that Africa’s future lies in the hands of young, passionate scholars eager to tackle the continent’s biggest issues. These winning essays not only highlight the intellectual power of Africa’s youth but also offer practical solutions to real-world problems.

As the competition grows in the coming years, we can expect even more innovative ideas and groundbreaking research to emerge, shaping the future of the continent. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their hard work, and we look forward to seeing where their research takes them next!