Justina Mutale Foundation Celebrates Historic Milestone as First Female Scholarship Graduate Earns Degree in Zambia

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA — October 9, 2026 — The Justina Mutale Foundation is celebrating a major milestone in its education programme in Zambia following the graduation of Nachiinda Liyanda, the first female graduate under the Foundation’s scholarship partnership with Cavendish University Zambia.

Liyanda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations after beginning her studies in 2022 with a 100% scholarship awarded by the Foundation. Her achievement marks an important moment for the programme, which continues to expand educational opportunities for young people.

“I am honoured to become the first-ever female graduate under the Justina Mutale Foundation scholarship partnership with Cavendish University Zambia,” Liyanda said, reflecting on the journey that began when she received the scholarship in 2022.

Nachinda Liyanda

Three Scholarship Beneficiaries Graduate

Liyanda is among the first three beneficiaries of the Foundation’s scholarship programme at Cavendish University Zambia to complete their studies. The graduates were among those who received their qualifications during the university’s 19th Graduation Ceremony, held in Lusaka on October 2, 2026.

The other graduates are Henry Mutale, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Banking and Finance, and Abu Goma, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting.

Mutale expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s support throughout his academic journey, emphasizing that the assistance extended beyond tuition funding to include encouragement and mentorship.

“Your support went far beyond financial sponsorship. Your encouragement helped me through difficult moments, and the mentorship courses we took taught me lessons that I will carry in the next chapter of my life,” he said.

Goma also thanked the Foundation for believing in his potential and providing an opportunity he described as life-changing.

The Foundation’s scholarship programme at Cavendish University Zambia currently supports more than 45 students, with the first graduates representing an important step in the partnership’s development.

 Henry Mutale

Foundation Highlights the Power of Education

Justina Mutale Foundation Executive Director Manda Moyo described the graduation as a significant achievement for the organisation and its commitment to expanding access to higher education.

She noted that the Foundation has previously celebrated scholarship recipients graduating from universities in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. The partnership with Cavendish University Zambia extends that impact by supporting students pursuing their academic goals at home.

Moyo congratulated Liyanda, Mutale and Goma for their perseverance and commitment, encouraging them to use their education and professional skills to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society.

She also highlighted the partnership as an example of what can be achieved when institutions work together with a shared belief in education as a powerful tool for transforming lives.

Moyo attended the graduation ceremony alongside Moses Walubita, the Foundation’s Press and Communications Director.

Abu Goma

Expanding Educational Opportunities for Young People

The Justina Mutale Foundation reports that its scholarship programme currently supports more than 150 recipients in Zambia and overseas. Through education, mentorship and leadership development, the organisation aims to help young people realise their potential and contribute to national and global development.

Officially launched on October 29, 2015, at the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London, the Foundation was established by Zambian-born international women’s leadership advocate Dr. Justina Mutale.

Its mission includes addressing challenges affecting women and girls in leadership and sustainable development while promoting their participation in politics, business, science, technology and other areas of public life.

The Foundation also advances education, leadership development and social empowerment, alongside global advocacy initiatives at the United Nations and beyond.

Liyanda’s graduation represents more than an individual academic achievement. It highlights the opportunities that scholarships and mentorship can create for young people working toward their professional goals and the broader development of their communities.

As the Foundation continues its partnership with Cavendish University Zambia, the graduation of its first cohort signals the beginning of a new chapter for scholarship beneficiaries and the communities they will serve.

Source: Justina Mutale Foundation press release, October 9, 2026.

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