How did you experience the GoGameChangers Awards and what motivated you to participate there?  

Winning the GoGameChangers Award was a truly surprising experience, especially because I wasn’t expecting it. There were many other incredible projects, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who voted. I believe the story told in the podcast I created and produced resonated with the audience and voters. 

I first encountered the GoGameChangers programme in 2023 while undertaking the Cross-Cultural Business Skills (CCBS) course at the part-time academy at HvA. As part of the programme, I chose an assignment that involved organising a Sustainability Roundtable. I researched existing sustainability initiatives to align with HvA’s approach to sustainability in education. That was when I discovered the GoGameChangers competition and was inspired by the number of students presenting impactful projects. My curiosity was piqued, and from that moment on, I began following the Green Office’s updates. Each time I received news about their activities, I felt increasingly motivated. 

At that time, I had already attended an open day for the Master’s in Global Sustainable Business Management (MGSBM), in which I am now enrolled, but I wasn’t yet ready to apply. When I saw the opportunity to submit my podcast project, my goal was to amplify the sustainability efforts and climate challenges occurring in Mozambique and inspire action. The episode I submitted focused on Mozambican communities combating climate change, and I hoped that sharing a real-world example through a platform like the Green Office would encourage more students to engage with sustainability studies and projects within HvA. 

The highlight of the event was definitely hearing my project announced as the public vote winner—I truly wasn’t expecting it. I also want to acknowledge that, while I created and produced the podcast, its success is thanks to the incredible people involved. I’d like to extend my gratitude to our exceptional host, Nompumelelo Moshoeshoe, and our guest, Ria Kulenovic, who is an engaging speaker and a knowledgeable changemaker working at the frontline of climate challenges in Mozambique. Many others contributed to this project indirectly, and equally important ways, and I am grateful to every single one of them. 

Your podcast, ‘Regenerate the Future’, really resonated with the audience with over 783 votes, what is your inspiration behind it?  

The inspiration behind this podcast—particularly this episode—reflects my personal story. 
I grew up in Mozambique, a tropical country on the southeastern coast of Africa that is highly vulnerable to cyclones. Growing up in Mozambique, climate disasters have been a constant presence in my life, and with climate change, they are getting stronger every year.  
One of my earliest memories is from my first day of primary school, which in Mozambique begins in February, during the peak of the rainy season. That day, a cyclone struck. At six years old, I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I could see the devastation. My school was damaged by heavy rains, and classes were interrupted. When we resumed, I noticed that some of my classmates never returned. I remember asking my teacher why our class was smaller, and she gently explained, “Some your collegues lost their homes due to the heavy rains.” 

At the time, that explanation didn’t make sense to me. As I grew older, witnessing disaster after disaster, that memory resurfaced. Eventually, I realised that something needed to be done—and that maybe, in some way, I could contribute. That realisation led me to sustainability studies, impact entrepreneurship, and eventually the creation of my business, N’KUMI Impact Solutions. The name "N’KUMI" comes from my middle name and serves as a personal reminder that change starts with me. Creating this podcast to amplify the voices of changemakers feels natural because it is deeply connected to my story. 

I want to invite everyone to take this opportunity to follow N’KUMI Impact Solutions on LinkedIn. We are a startup in our early stages, and soon, you can stay updated on our next projects through our LinkedIn publications. 

You can also follow the  “Regenerate the Future Podcast” on Spotify and listen to the episode about "Communities Fighting Climate Change in Mozambique." I hope you find it inspiring! 

What impact would you like to make with the podcast and are there any upcoming episodes we can look forward to? 

I believe in the power of communication. I hope this podcast reaches those who still doubt the impacts of climate change, or need a compelling reason to recognise the urgent need for climate action. My aim is to inspire listeners to take action—whether by adopting sustainable practices, pursuing sustainability-related studies, getting involved in sustainability initiatives, or launching impact-driven businesses. 

I firmly believe that there is still time to turn things around. By working together, we can develop innovative solutions to climate-related challenges while rethinking economic systems. As Kate Raworth, the creator of the Doughnut Economics framework, puts it: we need new economies that are distributive, regenerative, and earth centered—so that we do not push our planet beyond its limits. 

As for upcoming episodes, yes! I am currently working on new content that will highlight grassroots climate initiatives, innovative solutions, and the voices of those at the forefront of sustainability. Follow the podcast on Spotify, and the N’KUMI Impact Solutions LinkedIn Page, and stay tuned! 

How has climate change impacted vulnerable communities around the world and how can they overcome them? Furthermore, how can we support them in this effort? 

This question has no single or straight answer, because the climate crisis is complex and affects everyone differently, even those who may think it doesn’t affect them. Yes, some are more vulnerable than others, but we are so interdependent and interconnected, that even the “Less Vulnerable Ones” are impacted by climate change and its multiple impacts. What I think we can do is consider collective action—we must come together to explore different solutions, test them, and share what works well to mitigate climate impacts while adapting to the new climate. 

One of the most powerful tools we have is knowledge-sharing. By integrating wisdom from indigenous traditions, ancient knowledge, modern science and technologies, we can develop adaptive strategies for a changing climate. As a Southern African, I often refer to the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasises interdependence and interconnectedness. This mindset is at the core of our survival. If we apply this principle to adapt to climate change and take action, we can make real progress by fostering collaboration, embracing diverse perspectives, and approaches. 

Where do you see the role of young innovators, like yourself, supporting efforts to address climate change? Has a particular project or initiative inspired you and why? 

I shall begin with the second part of the question. I enjoy spending time in nature and learning from local and indigenous communities. While travelling across Africa, Australia, Asia, and South America, I have been profoundly inspired by how these communities live harmoniously with nature. Their practices offer us valuable lessons, and I find them all deeply inspiring. 

As for young innovators, we have no choice but to innovate. The current economic system has never accommodated everyone, and many people have had to rely on creativity and resourcefulness to survive. The 2020 global pandemic only amplified this, forcing even more people to seek alternative ways to earn a living and find creative ways to sustain their lives. Not everyone becomes an innovator because of climate-related issues, it’s all a matter of timing, circumstances, and often survival. The climate challenge ultimately also creates opportunities to create new economies at multiple levels, and ultimately, people need to make a living to survive in a capitalist system.  

However, while many great ideas exist, not everyone has access to the resources needed to bring their innovations to life. That’s why we must continue to create supportive and inclusive networks, provide quality education, and ensure that young changemakers have the tools they need to succeed. My message to young innovators is this: keep creating, keep pushing forward, seek support and different forms of formal, informal and digital constructive education, support each other, and take action. We all have a role to play in shaping a sustainable future. 

Do you feel we are moving in the right direction to address these challenges and what steps would we need to take to do so?  

There are many incredible policies and initiatives being implemented, but unfortunately, they don’t always get the attention they deserve. Perhaps they don’t “sell” as well as other types of news dominating traditional and digital media. 

That said, if we look for progress, we will find it. We have reached this stage in our evolution because of the dedication of scientists, academics, policymakers, activists, changemakers, and many others who believe we can make it to today’s reality. Here we are living somebody’s dream and hard work, regardless of the context, we’re here. We are still moving and headed in the “some” direction, and somehow still have a supportive ecosystem. While there is still much work to do to maintain and avoid further extinction of species, the fact that we are having these conversations today, is a sign of hope. 

Finally, any advice for students interested in following in your footsteps?   

This one is easy: follow your passion. Forge a path future generations can be proud of. Follow your heart, the most fulfilling journey is where you create your impact, driven by what truly moves you.