By Beatrice Chabaya
Meet Andrew Banda, a 32-year-old development enthusiast, a co founder of Kamwisani youth hub and Tilute tours. He was part of the first cohort of the Czech Republic’s Cool Czechia youth programme implemented in 2023, that gathers young African leaders from around the continent.
Czechia, a small European country that has earned its place as a key champion of democracy and human rights defender, is establishing good relations with the future leaders of the African continent through the Cool Czechia programme. The first cohort of the Cool Czechia was a pilot programme which led to the second held last month, aiming to introduce as many potential future leaders and representatives of the African continent as possible to Czechia.
Andrew is an activist, and one of the notable young leaders in Zambia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and professional certificates in Computer Studies, Financial Journalism, Fundamentals of Social Accountability Monitoring, Leadership in Civic Engagement.
In 2023, Andrew participated in the Cool Czechia Youth Project, a study trip that, according to him, “broadened his horizons”. At the time, Andrew was an activist working with the Alliance for Community Action (ACA). He was selected alongside three others from Chapter One Foundation and the Zambia Free Press Initiative
The Cool Czechia Youth Project is a strategic communication and outreach initiative targeting African partners.
Its primary goal is to explain the Czechia and Central European perspective on major geopolitical challenges, including Russian aggression against Ukraine.
For Andrew, the Cool Czechia opportunity presented a good platform for him to network and exchange ideas with fellow young Africans who wish to positively impact their countries and the world.
“I not only networked with fellow Africans, exchanging our dreams for the Continent, but I also discovered Czechia’s thriving democracy, their courage against oppression, and how their systems, diplomacy, and development operate,” he explains.
The Cool Czechia study trip aims to deepen ties between Czechia and Africa, focusing on shared priorities like climate justice and democracy.
“For me, it was a dream to learn, share, and be part of this community. I now have a network of friends in Czechia and Africa and contacts who can further expand my horizon, opportunities, and impact,” he says.
Andrew says the project meant so much for him that he repeatedly described it as “horizon-broadening”, allowing him to understand Czechia’s priorities and potential collaboration areas.
“It was immensely good and it is a good project,” said Andrew who spent nine days in Czechia, tied to the country’s culture, diplomacy, and development
