AFDA School of Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship alumna Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe has been recognised as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2026, a prestigious accolade celebrating young leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of the African continent.
A graduate of AFDA’s BCom in Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme, Nthengwe has built an impressive career at the intersection of technology, social justice, research, and entrepreneurship. Their inclusion on the Forbes Africa list acknowledges years of work dedicated to advancing reproductive justice, youth empowerment, and innovative solutions to social challenges across Namibia and beyond.
As founder of Autono-Me, a technology platform addressing structural unemployment, and co-founder of the VCRC Health and Research Institute, Nthengwe has consistently championed initiatives that create meaningful social impact. Their entrepreneurial work has previously earned recognition from platforms including Seedstars Africa and the National ICT Summit.
According to Forbes Africa, Nthengwe’s advocacy journey gained significant momentum in 2020 when they spearheaded a grassroots petition calling for abortion law reform in Namibia, which attracted more than 60,000 signatures. This activism led to a landmark policy submission to Parliament in 2021, presenting evidence on the impact of unsafe abortions on maternal health. In 2025, the VCRC Health and Research Institute received a transformative grant of NAD 1 million from the European Union, enabling the organisation to further expand its work in health research and reproductive justice.
Beyond their entrepreneurial and advocacy achievements, Nthengwe is also an accomplished author, researcher, and storyteller. They are the author of multiple published works and serve as executive producer of the feature film Wrong Generation, inspired by their book You F**cked with the Wrong Generation.
Their commitment to leadership and innovation has also earned them selection as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, where they will pursue an MPhil in Inclusive Innovation. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation describes them as a leader focused on integrating technology, policy, and social justice to dismantle economic barriers and create more equitable opportunities across Africa.
Nthengwe’s recognition by Forbes Africa serves as a powerful example of the impact that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can have in addressing complex societal challenges. Their journey from AFDA student to internationally recognised entrepreneur, activist, and thought leader reflects the values of innovation, creativity, and social impact that underpin AFDA’s approach to higher education.
AFDA congratulates Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of their work across Africa and on the global stage.