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This week, we are excited to feature Siyabonga Mabuza, affectionately known as Siya, as our Intern of the Week at The Voice of Africa (TVOA). Siya hails from the Kingdom of Eswatini and is currently an international student at Skidmore College, pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Economics. Outside of his academic endeavors, Siya enjoys playing football (soccer), singing, and watching anime. His interests also extend to international trade, development economics, and data analytics.
Siya’s inspiration for a career in international trade and development economics is driven by his belief in the power of data analytics. He is convinced that data can help make informed decisions for Africa’s development, preventing repeated mistakes that have historically hindered the continent’s progress. This passion for leveraging data to drive development is at the core of his career aspirations.
Choosing to intern at The Voice of Africa was a natural decision for Siya, given his deep-rooted passion for Africa’s development. He saw TVOA as a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the complexities and challenges that have contributed to Africa’s economic lag behind other regions. The chance to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting Africa resonated strongly with him.
One of Siya’s most memorable experiences at TVOA has been meeting part of the team and witnessing their respectful interactions with each other. This sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within the team left a lasting impression on him, reinforcing his belief in the organization’s mission.
Among the projects Siya has worked on, he is particularly proud of his research on solar energy companies in Malawi. He is excited about the prospect of the TVOA team reaching out to these companies and potentially providing them with funding opportunities to help them grow within the energy industry. This project exemplifies his commitment to leveraging data and research to drive tangible development outcomes.
Looking ahead, Siya has high hopes for Africa in the coming years. He envisions a fully functioning African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that will reduce the continent’s reliance on Western goods and services. Through collaboration and economic integration, he believes Africa can achieve self-sustainability and robust economic growth.
Siya is also a strong advocate for African media and journalism, believing that Western media has often portrayed Africa in ways that have hindered its progress. He asserts that African stories need to be told by Africans to empower and educate people about the continent’s realities. This perspective aligns with his broader vision of contributing to Africa’s development through informed and authentic storytelling.
At TVOA, Siya hopes to expand the organization’s reach throughout the continent, empowering African businesses by opening up opportunities that they might not have had access to otherwise. His goal is to make a meaningful impact by connecting businesses with resources and support, thereby driving economic growth and development.
In the next 5-10 years, Siya envisions himself working across various African countries, contributing to the continent’s economic development. He is optimistic about the exciting developments on the horizon, such as the AfCFTA, and looks forward to being part of Africa’s growth story.
A fun fact about Siya that not many people know is that he recently taught himself how to cook and has discovered a newfound enjoyment in it. This self-taught skill reflects his curiosity and willingness to learn new things, traits that will undoubtedly serve him well in his future endeavors.
Congratulations, Siyabonga Mabuza! Your dedication, passion, and innovative spirit are truly inspiring. We look forward to your continued contributions to The Voice of Africa and the broader African community.
