Born in Diepkloof and raised in Witpoortjie, Nozipho Hlophe’s early life was shaped by contrasting environments. This journey across geographies fuelled an awareness of South Africa’s socioeconomic divides and a commitment to building systems that create fairer, more inclusive futures. Nozipho, 30, is a regional analyst at the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Service Centre for Africa in Addis Ababa. There, she sup- ports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a focus on empowering micro, small and medium enterprises, especially those led by youth and women. Her work spans policy design, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and programme coordination across the continent. Nozipho holds dual master’s degrees in economics and international political economy and development from Fordham University in New York. She also earned an honours and BCom in econometrics from the University of Pretoria. Among her milestones is co-leading the YouthConnekt AfCFTA Export Accelerator, which supports more than 80 youth-led businesses annually. She also collaborated with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to address revenue leakage at Eskom.
I admire women who lead with resilience, conviction and purpose, particularly those who have defied structural barriers to make space for others. The late Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela’s relentless spirit and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire me. Her courage in the face of adversity reminds me that leadership is not about titles, but about standing firm in service of others — even when the cost is high. I also deeply admire my mother, whose unwavering work ethic and strength taught me that impact often begins in small, consistent acts of care and responsibility. Her example instilled in me the values of discipline, empathy and perseverance. Along my journey, I have had mentors — from supervisors to peers and lecturers — who recognised and nurtured my potential. Their support helped me grow personally and professionally, offering insights into navigating complex environments while staying true to my values. They showed me that leadership is about asking the right questions, making space for others and committing to lifelong learning.