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.
Admire women who lead with resilience, conviction and purpose — particularly those who have defied structural barriers to create space for others. The late Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela’s relentless spirit and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire. Her courage in the face of adversity is a reminder that leadership is not about titles but about standing firm in service of others, even at great personal cost. Also deeply admire my mother, whose steady work ethic and strength taught that impact often begins with small, consistent acts of care and responsibility. Her example instilled the values of discipline, empathy and perseverance. Mentors — from supervisors to peers and lecturers — recognised and nurtured potential. Their support shaped personal and professional growth, offering insight into navigating complex environments while remaining grounded in core values. They demonstrated that leadership is about asking the right questions, creating space for others and committing to lifelong learning.