Dr. Anna Msowoya-Keys is social entrepreneur from Malawi who founded and currently leads or has led four organizations. One of them is Maloto, a US-based non-profit that raises funds and finds technical support for local organizations in Malawi, another is the Mzuzu International Academy, the first internationally accredited primary and secondary school in northern Malawi and then the third is Kwithu Community-Based Organization (CBO), a local community-based organization providing a range of social, educational, and health programs in Mzuzu and Kwithu Kitchen, a women-owned food processing cooperative.
In addition to supporting these local organizations she is also actively involved in many civic initiatives to further develop her city of origin, Mzuzu and the Northern Region of Malawi.
She was nominated as one of our women of excellence 2023 and told us about her inspiration and dreams for the future.
How did your journey in your current profession start/what inspired you?
After a successful 15-year career as an international relief and development professional – where I worked in Malawi, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi – I returned home to my native region of northern Malawi in the early 2000s. I saw that the devastating effects of the HIV epidemic on my family and my community had wiped out a generation of caregivers, teachers and community leaders. Many children were left orphaned and without a source of hope for the future, this prompted the creation of Kwithu Community-Based Organization – the organization was founded by 20 women in 2004 with a commitment to feeding 20 orphans once a week from a temporary thatched hut. Today, our organization operates from an expansive and well-built permanent community centre and provides a wide range of essential social, health, educational and economic empowerment services to a population of more than 23,000. Years later Mzuzu International Academy and Kwithu Kitchen followed, to feed, educate and empower these children and ensure sustainable development. I focused my efforts on helping some of the community’s most vulnerable women and children and everything I have created is an extension of that dream.
Can you share with us one challenge you faced and how you tackled it?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is limited resources, both financial and human. It can be difficult to fund and staff our programs adequately, which can impact our ability to reach as many people as we would like. So, I founded Maloto (meaning ‘dreams’ in Tumbuka) in 2005, with like-minded Malawians who wanted to give back to Malawi. Maloto raises funds and provides technical support to our local organizations. I also spend time in the US raising funds and interacting with our Board of Directors. Maloto now raises more than $ 1 million annually.
Who is your role model, if any?
As a social entrepreneur, my late mother is my role model for many reasons, but particularly because of her selfless dedication to helping others. Growing up in our home village in Thumbi, she made it her mission to provide for the children in our community who were in need. Whether it was by cooking meals for them, providing them with clothing and supplies, or simply being there to listen and offer support, my mother’s generosity knew no bounds. Her example taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and the power of small acts of kindness to make a difference in the world. I strive to follow in her footsteps and use my own skills and resources to make a positive impact on the l
ives of those around me.
What do you think about people who think women should be limited to certain roles only?
As a successful female social entrepreneur from Malawi, I am all too familiar with the pervasive belief that women should only be limited to certain roles. It is frustrating to encounter individuals who refuse to see beyond traditional gender roles and fail to recognize the immense potential that women possess. I firmly believe that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams and ambitions. By breaking down these societal barriers and challenging gender stereotypes, we can create a more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As women, we have the power to be agents of change and to inspire others to reject limiting beliefs and pursue their passions clearly shown by the impact our organization has had on the women in my community.
What is your advise to young women aspiring to succeed in your endeavour/profession?
One of my favourite proverbs in my local language Tumbuka advises to take action to achieve what you want. The proverb “kakwiza kwekha kanamsiku” conveys that success won’t come to you by chance, and you need to pursue it actively. This means that you need to make an effort to reach your goals because they won’t just fall into your lap.
This year with we are celebrating 20 women of excellence 2023. These are African women living in Africa or women contributing to the enhancement of African women globally. They are women making their mark in business, careers and communities. Do you know a woman worthy to be celebrated? Send us an email.
