Purpose Conference Empowers Zimbabwean Youth to Align Careers with Calling
The inaugural Purpose Conference, held on July 19 at Sterling Hub in Eastlea, Harare, delivered a transformative experience for participants. Hosted by award-winning life and career coach Tadzie Madzima, the event focused on helping attendees align their careers with their true purpose.
Running under the theme Align, Activate, Achieve, the conference brought together industry leaders, creatives, and young professionals for a day of inspiration, skill-building, and purposeful networking.
Keynote speaker Tendayi Denford Mutungamiri set the tone, followed by panel discussions featuring experts like Chef on Duty, Chrystal Bonzo, Amon Tangwena, and Jonathan Kadurira. Participants also took part in masterclass discovery labs to uncover their strengths and chart meaningful career paths.
A highlight of the event was the “immersive legacy wall,” which featured icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Chadwick Boseman, and Nelson Mandela. Attendees contributed their own legacy statements to the wall, encouraging reflection on the impact they want to make.
Madzima said this was the first time many had deeply considered their legacy. “We invited each person to see themselves as part of the same continuum, to declare their impact boldly,” he explained.
The conference included artistic performances by Leon Mwana Wajoze, Elluzhen, Tatiana Natalie Kondo, Eden Lang, and spoken word artist Kuda Rice. Madzima emphasized that art and music deepen reflection and make the experience more transformative.
The event supports Ignite Youth Organisation (IYO), a non-profit founded by Madzima that offers career guidance and coaching to Zimbabwe’s youth. IYO’s research shows over 60% of young people in low-income communities lack access to career guidance, while nearly 70% face barriers to skills development and employment.
Proceeds from the conference will fund IYO’s ongoing programs, which have already impacted more than 30,000 young people nationwide.
The Purpose Conference marks a significant step in bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity for Zimbabwe’s next generation.
