Maud Chifamba Biography: Early Life | Education | University Studies | Career | Personal Life
Maud Chifamba is a Zimbabwean accountant and academic prodigy who made history by becoming the youngest university student in Africa at the age of 14.
She was born on November 19, 1997, in Chegutu. She lost both her parents at a young age and faced many challenges in pursuing her education.
Despite these hardships, she excelled in her studies and earned a scholarship to study for an accounting degree at the University of Zimbabwe. She graduated with honours in 2016 and received several awards and recognitions for her achievements.
Early Life and Education
Maud Chifamba Biography [Image: Maud Chifamba/Instagram]
Maud Chifamba was born to a soldier father and a housewife mother. She had a younger brother named Mukundi. Her father died when she was five years old, and her mother suffered from cancer and could not take care of them.
Maud then moved in with her stepbrother, who had been allocated a plot of land during the land reform program in Hunters Road, between Kwekwe and Gweru, in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe.
Maud started her primary education at Hurudza Primary School in 2003. She showed remarkable aptitude and intelligence and skipped several grades with the help of her teachers.
She took her Grade Seven examinations at the age of 10 and scored six units but could not proceed to secondary school due to a lack of funds. She then studied on her own at home and completed her Ordinary Level examinations in two years, in 2009, when she was only 11 years old. She passed with flying colours.
Realising her rare academic brilliance and appreciating her plight, the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Education, offered to pay for her Advanced Level education.
Maud enrolled at Zengeza High School in Chitungwiza. She completed her Advanced Level in 2011, when she was 13 years old, and scored 12 points.
Maud Chifamba University Studies and Career
Maud Chifamba Biography [Image: Maud Chifamba/Instagram]
After passing her Advanced Level examinations, Maud applied to study for an accounting degree at the University of Zimbabwe, the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. She was accepted and became the youngest university student in Africa at the age of 14.
Her degree was financed by a four-year scholarship of nearly US$10,000 from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) through its Chairman’s Charity Fund. She also did her industrial attachment at ZIMRA.
Maud graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy Honours Degree on September 29, 2016, at the age of 18. She was capped by President Robert Mugabe, who was also the Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe. She was among the top students in her class and received several accolades for her academic excellence.
Awards and Recognition
Maud has received many awards and recognition for her achievements and contributions to society. Some of them are:
- In 2007, she was named the best student under the most difficult conditions in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe.
- In 2012, she was listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa, along with fellow Zimbabweans Danai Gurira and Jacqueline Chimhanzi.
- In 2013, she scored distinctions at the University of Zimbabwe and became the brand promoter of the university since then. She was also appointed as the Vice-Chancellor’s ambassador in 2014.
- In 2014, she received the Great Young Achievers Award at the Great Women Awards held in Dubai as well as the Panel Choice Award at the Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards.
Maud Chifamba Personal Life and Interests
Maud Chifamba Biography [Image: Maud Chifamba/Instagram]
Maud is a humble and cheerful person who enjoys reading books, listening to music, watching movies, and playing chess. She is also passionate about helping other young people achieve their dreams through education and mentorship.
She has participated in several motivational talks and events where she shares her story and encourages others to overcome their challenges.
Maud is also a Christian who believes that God has a purpose for her life. She attributes her success to God’s grace and guidance.
