Trust Rukwava
Centre News Hub
Harare- Freedom Mukanga a young Zimbabwean leader has been recognised by the US Embassy for winning the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship Impact Award.
The award which honors one outstanding alumnus for exceptional leadership, community impact, and efforts to strengthen ties between African change makers and U.S. partners is presented annually by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Mukanga becomes the first ever Zimbabwean to win this award since the program began in 2014.
“Today, we are proud to honor Freedom Mukanga, the first Zimbabwean Exchange Alumni to receive the honor,” said Ambassador Pamela Tremont at a ceremony hosted by the Embassy on Wednesday.
“This prestigious recognition is reserved for one exceptional leader among more than 7,800 alumni across Africa whose work strengthens economic growth, advances democratic governance, and deepens regional collaboration.” added Ambassador Tremont.
Mukanga is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of FreedPer Scientific, a leading provider of advanced weather observations and meteorological data across Africa, he has strengthened Zimbabwe’s disaster preparedness through collaborations with U.S. partners including Campbell Scientific, Synoptic Data, and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
He was honored for his outstanding ability to build on program connections with American professionals in hydrometeorology, entrepreneurship, and agriculture to strengthen partnerships in these critical industries across Sub‑Saharan Africa.
Through strategic collaborations with U.S. companies – Campbell Scientific, Synoptic Data, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Mukanga’s work has enhanced weather data collection techniques and improved disaster preparedness in Zimbabwe.
Mukanga has also worked with U.S. educational institutions to provide training and up skilling opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and poultry farmers and has expanded opportunities for American investors while strengthening U.S. Zimbabwe trade and economic cooperation and implemented initiatives to increase food security.
Mukanga whose portfolio continues to grow has been hailed by the Embassy as a proven driver of connections between the United States and Sub‑Saharan Africa, Freedom exemplifies how American expertise and business partnerships can advance shared peace and prosperity.
