Biography

Chrissy Chawanda is a Malawian development professional with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Enterprise Development and Microfinance from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi, and a Master of Science in Agroecology from Uganda Martyrs University. Her undergraduate training equipped her with knowledge of entrepreneurship, business development, financial inclusion, microfinance, enterprise management, and livelihood support. Her agroecology training further deepened her understanding of sustainable farming, climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. She is passionate about using these interconnected areas to support resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods.

Chrissy has experience in community development, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, research, project implementation, and education. She worked with the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) as a Volunteer Loan Officer, assessing business loan applications, conducting business viability assessments, monitoring enterprises, and supporting entrepreneurs with financial management. At Development Concept Organisation, she supported community-based programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, field activities, data collection, and reporting. She also served as a part-time lecturer at Falcon Aviation & Business Institute in Uganda, teaching Principles of Economics and Principles of Microfinance while developing learning materials and assessing students.

Her international exposure includes an Erasmus+ mobility experience at Sapienza University of Rome in Italy as part of her master’s programme, where she studied International Banking and Capital Markets, Bank Corporate Governance, Organisation of Companies, and Innovation. She has also undertaken training in academic and proposal writing through RUFORUM and completed the Women Creating Wealth and Entrepreneurship Development Programme through the Graça Machel Trust.

Beyond her professional experience, Chrissy serves as Chairperson of the AGE Africa Alumnae Network, where she contributes to mentorship, leadership, and community-focused initiatives. She is passionate about working with communities, particularly in youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development.

Chrissy is excited to join the CorpsAfrica/Malawi cohort 10 to learn from other young African changemakers, contribute her experience in community development and sustainable livelihoods, and work alongside communities to create practical, locally driven solutions. She enjoys mentoring, learning, community engagement, and exploring innovative approaches to sustainable development.