肆客足球

?Audrey Simbiso Chidawanyika is a force in Africa's innovation and leadership space. Known by her self-manifested moniker, "The African Wildfire", she has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries and sparking meaningful change. With roots in Zimbabwe and a focus on unlocking Africa's full potential, she is building systems, shifting mindsets, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Audrey founded Simbiso Jumpstart in August 2019 as a response to the urgent need for accessible, practical, and community-rooted support for African micro and small-sized enterprises. 

Additionally, she does work with AfriLabs, which is an innovation-focused organisation that equips entrepreneurs and innovators with the skills and resources needed to drive sustainable development and growth within the continent's tech and innovation landscape.

She serves as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director at AfriLabs, where her days move between policy design, stakeholder engagement, and strategic innovation. “What excites me most is the continental canvas I get to co-create on, shaping policy narratives that mirror African realities and ambitions," she says. “AfriLabs is home. It's an extraordinary organisation that constantly nurtures growth, creativity, and bold vision."

Audrey's energy is unmistakable whether she's driving policy reform at AfriLabs, mentoring youth through her Simbiso Jumpstart organisation, or engaging high-level global stakeholders. 

“The African Wildfire isn't just a moniker – it's a movement," she says. “It speaks to an ever-burning inner flame that refuses to be boxed in, dimmed, or tamed. I aim to spark, spread, and sustain transformation, especially across Africa's innovation, enterprise, and leadership landscapes."

In 2022, Audrey joined the Make-IT in Africa Women in Leadership Programme at the Stellenbosch Business School – an experience that added depth to her leadership journey. “I wasn't just seeking knowledge, I was seeking alignment," she reflects. “The Stellenbosch Business School gave me a sharper lens to navigate power, politics, and partnerships, not just as a woman in leadership, but as an African architect of the future."

But Audrey's mission extends far beyond institutional corridors. Through Simbiso Jumpstart, she's worked with more than 15 000 young innovators across agritech, fintech, edtech and medtech. “I created the platform to dismantle barriers and to jumpstart dreams," she explains. “But what I'm most proud of is the mindset shift. We've helped young people stop waiting for permission and start building."

Recognition has followed; she's a Mandela Washington Fellow, a JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons honouree, and was named Africa Startup Ecosystem Builder of the Year. Yet, for Audrey, accolades are not the destination. “The true reward is in the transformation: seeing a young founder access capital, watching a community empowered through digital tools, or witnessing policy reform take root."

As a young African woman navigating innovation and enterprise growth, Audrey is no stranger to resistance. “There's a constant undercurrent of underestimation," she says. “But I've turned every dismissal into kindling." Her leadership is anchored in purpose, service, and generational impact. “My generation isn't here to inherit broken systems – we are here to redesign them."

Audrey sees the next chapter as one of “scale, structure, and sovereignty". Through AfriLabs, she advocates for policy environments where African startups can thrive. Through Simbiso Jumpstart, she's equipping grassroots entrepreneurs to lead without compromise. And with bold steps into media, investment, and tech-policy bridges, she's shaping a continent ready to rise.

?“I am not done," she says. “And neither is Africa."???