Biography
About Blessing Phiri
Blessing Phiri is a dynamic UK-based Innovator, Business speaker, and Growth strategist with a passion for leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to drive positive change in communities. Born in Zimbabwe and with a diverse background in engineering, entrepreneurship, and leadership development, Blessing has established himself as a dynamic force in both the business and social sectors.
Introduction
As a professionally practicing Electrical and Automation Engineer, Blessing brings a unique blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership to his endeavours. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Chinhoyi University of Technology and has further honed his skills through specialized training in Robotics and Machine Vision at Western Kentucky University in the USA.
Professional Background
Blessing is committed to continuous learning and professional development, he is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) class of 2021, a prestigious leadership development program initiated by the United States government. He has also represented Zimbabwe in the USA for the Global uGRAD Exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State (IREX) and the Winter School Leadership Development Program conducted by Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) and Africa University (AU).
Leadership Development
With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Blessing is the founder of Don Minteiro, an award-winning bespoke formal menswear brand known for its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. Additionally, he is the visionary force behind Fundie Technologies, a tech start-up utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance access to quality educational materials for marginalized African students.
Entrepreneurship Ventures
During his stay in the United States, Blessing had the honour of being a guest at the White House during the Trump administration, facilitated by Senator Mitch McConnell. Back home, Blessing's entrepreneurial endeavours, and innovative contributions have garnered significant recognition at national and international platforms. He was the national winner of the Generation Unlimited Innovation Challenge organized by UNICEF and BOOST Fellowship through Fundie Technologies. In the same year, Phiri emerged as the winner of the Innovation Challenge organised by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
Achievements and Recognition
Passionate about empowering young people, Blessing is the founder of the Innovation Development and Empowerment of Africa (IDEA) Trust, which aims to foster personal development and social impact through workshops, volunteering, and community engagement initiatives. His dedication to youth empowerment and leadership excellence has earned him accolades such as the Gumiguru Achievers Awards' recognition as one of the 30 most influential leaders under 30 in the Science and Technology sector.
Social Impact Initiatives
Throughout his career, Blessing has demonstrated exemplary leadership in various capacities. He served as a student leader with the Chinhoyi University Student Representative Council (SRC), championing improvements to student welfare. Additionally, he has actively contributed to community development initiatives as a youth leader with the AFM church in Zimbabwe, facilitating workshops focused on personal and community development.
Community Engagement
Blessing's contributions and expertise have been featured in notable publications such as People and Paper magazine for the UK and European market. He has also appeared on national television programs, including ZBC TV's Ndine Thaza and Own Your Image, where he shared insights into entrepreneurship and business leadership. An accomplished public speaker, Blessing has delivered keynote addresses at events such as the UNICEF-funded Zimbabwe launch of imaGen Ventures Youth Challenge and has served as a panellist at the SDG Youth Dialogue and Youth Getting into Business Seminar, advocating for youth involvement in sustainable development initiatives.
Media Appearances and Speaking Engagements
Blessing Phiri's multifaceted career encompasses engineering, entrepreneurship, and social impact initiatives. With a passion for fostering innovation and driving positive change, he continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities worldwide through his entrepreneurial endeavours, leadership initiatives, and commitment to social impact.
