AAMU Hosts Mandela Washington Fellows

As one of 25 dynamic young professionals from across Africa, Rachel Kumwenda Kaunda touched down in Huntsville, Alabama, this summer eager to learn, grow, and connect. Selected as part of the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Kaunda is spending six weeks at Alabama A&M University for the inaugural Leadership in Business Institute, an immersive academic and cultural exchange designed to strengthen leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

For Kaunda, the journey from Lilongwe, Malawi, to The Hill is about far more than travel. 

“This whole experience has been truly transformative,” she said. “It's not just about what we learn in the classroom – it's about personal growth, reflecting on our strategies, and building meaningful connections.”

Kaunda is the Founder and CEO of Drone Link, a tech-driven enterprise she launched in 2021. Her mission: to revolutionize how drone and data technologies are used in agriculture, environmental management, and development projects across Malawi and the region.

“I lead a passionate team,” she explained. “We use drone technology to solve real-world problems – whether it’s monitoring crops, mapping communities, or supporting environmental conservation.”

Kaunda’s journey to entrepreneurship began with a degree in earth science from the University of Malawi, followed by specialized training in drone and data systems through the African Drone and Data Academy. She also earned a certificate in precision agriculture from the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Prior to launching her company, she worked with a mining firm and contributed to environmental and climate-related projects throughout Malawi.

Her selection as a Mandela Washington Fellow, she said, felt like both a recognition and a turning point.

“I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said Kaunda. “Being chosen felt like a huge validation of the work I’ve been doing – and a massive step forward in my leadership journey.”

While at AAMU, Kaunda has dived into sessions on social entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and institutional development, all while learning how to better tell her story and scale her company’s impact.

“The sessions have been powerful,” she said. “But what’s just as impactful is the cultural exchange – the moments spent learning from my peers and the Alabama A&M community.”

Outside the classroom, she’s explored Huntsville’s landmarks, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center – a highlight for someone who’s passionate about tech and innovation. She’s also grown fond of Southern hospitality and is slowly adjusting to American accents and food, though she admits to missing Malawian dishes like nsima.

“Everyone here has been so welcoming,” Kaunda said. “It's truly made the experience feel like a home away from home.”

Kaunda plans to return to her home in Malawi with new tools, deeper confidence, and a bold plan to elevate her work and empower others.

“I want to scale up our drone programs, expand youth training, and use data to make better decisions in Malawi,” she said. “I also really hope to inspire other young people – especially girls – to pursue careers in technology and leadership.”

Ultimately, she envisions Drone Link  becoming a continental hub for drone innovation, youth training, and tech-powered development. And as she nears the end of her time at Alabama A&M, Kaunda says the experience has already exceeded her expectations.

“The encouragement to dream big and be bold is contagious,” she said. “This journey is truly changing lives – mine included – and I’m so excited for what comes next.”