In the third edition of our Young Climate Leaders POV series, we hear from Natalie Mangondo on the opportunities for Africa in climate finance and carbon markets. The Climate Youth Leadership Programme during Earthshot Week 2024 was delivered in partnership with Common Purpose.
My name is Natalie Mangondo, and I’m from Zimbabwe, “Dzimbadzemabwe” or House of Stone, a land where ancient granite formations rise amidst golden savannas, lush valleys, and the misty peaks of the Eastern Highlands. My background is in climate finance and carbon markets and has deep ties to community-led solutions.
Two days before Earthshot Week, I was unexpectedly invited to join the Programme after other youth leaders were unable to attend due to visa issues. Having faced similar barriers in the past, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, not just for myself but for the many young people who couldn’t be in the room. I came with no expectations, only a determination to be fully present, to advocate for others, and to absorb every moment.
What I experienced far surpassed anything I could have imagined. Earthshot Week was a powerful gathering of ideas and solutions, particularly highlighting Africa’s crucial role in tackling global challenges. It left me inspired and energised, reaffirming the immense potential of young people to drive meaningful change.
For Africa and many developing countries, the need is clear: we need financial solutions tailored to our unique challenges, opportunities, and strengths.
The world faces its most existential problem but a significant challenge to solving this is the gap between ambitious commitments and the resources needed to make real, lasting change on the ground, especially for the communities most impacted by climate change. Traditional finance models, built for other economies, often overlook these contexts and don’t provide for what we in Africa need. We face disproportionate climate vulnerabilities, economic constraints, debt burdens, and infrastructure gaps. And yet, we also have a wealth of natural assets and an unbreakable will to use them wisely.
My journey in climate finance has now led me to GRID-Arendal, where I am thrilled to serve as Principal Expert in Sustainable Finance for Nature. Here, I’m taking on the task of building a platform that connects financial resources to those projects on the front lines – bridging the gap between lofty promises and the practical needs of vulnerable communities. A key focus of this work is empowering women in coastal communities who play a vital role in managing natural resources yet receive less than 10% of global climate finance.
Since Earthshot Week and taking part on the Programme, I am more convinced than ever that we can transform climate finance into a force for inclusive, impactful change.
Dawn in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Credit: Birger Strahl, Unsplash.
Coming to Cape Town and meeting young leaders from across the world reaffirmed my belief in what’s possible when finance is wielded not just as a tool but as a transformative force.
Many of us there worked in vastly different fields – forestry, ocean conservation, waste management, renewable energy. Yet, throughout our conversations, I was struck by how interconnected our solutions are and how much we all need each other. In meeting youth leaders from GAYO, Asian youth backed by Temasek Trust, and seeing the inspiring work from organisations like Keep IT Cool, I felt our shared commitment to shape finance that not only responds to climate but empowers communities and preserves ecosystems. It was a powerful reminder that finance, in its highest form, is the bridge connecting critical initiatives and scaling impact across the globe.
One moment that left a strong mark on me was during a panel discussion on imposter syndrome, where I sat with Robert Irwin and Tasha Sabapathy. Imposter syndrome is a feeling many of us in the climate space struggle with, including myself. Surrounded by brilliant minds and accomplished leaders, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar pang of, “Am I enough?” But hearing my peers and mentors speak about their own struggles, and the importance of having faith in our contributions, was grounding.
It was also incredibly humbling to be surrounded by leaders who not only believe in the solutions we bring to the table but also understand the value of every voice in the room. That moment was empowering, and it reminded me that, despite my self-doubt, others believe in me and my work.
Natalie Mangondo with Earthshot Prize Council Member, Wanjira Mathai, during Earthshot Week 2024
Natalie Mangondo with Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, during Earthshot Week 2024
One of the most important things I learned during Earthshot Week is just how much potential lies in youth-led climate solutions.
The world should know that these solutions aren’t just the “future”, they’re happening right now and are both powerful and practical. Young people are bringing a unique urgency, bold ideas, and a clear sense of what’s at stake. We’re not waiting for permission; we’re creating new pathways, we’re thinking differently, and we’re building resilience through innovation.
Seeing all the ideas and solutions this week has filled me with an immense hope for the future. What gives me the most hope is knowing that climate solutions will be led by Africa, for Africa, and shared with the world. This isn’t just a vision, it’s a reality unfolding, driven by our resilience, creativity, and commitment to a better future.
With initiatives like Earthshot, organisations like Common Purpose, and leaders who genuinely believe in our potential, I know that we’re just getting started. Our solutions aren’t only about addressing immediate needs; they’re about redefining the future.
I’m beyond honoured to be part of this transformative journey, bringing finance into alignment with nature and communities for a resilient world.
Partners from across the Earthshot network came together to make the inaugural Climate Youth Leadership Programme possible, including DP World, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Temasek Foundation, and Tsao Pao Chee.
