A visionary leader at the crossroads of technology, philanthropy, and social impact, Lumbie Mlambo is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. As the Founder & CEO of JB Dondolo, a nonprofit named in honor of her father’s humanitarian legacy, Lumbie has committed her career to providing access to clean water and empowering women and girls in underserved communities worldwide.

Hailing from Zimbabwe, where she was raised in a rural village before moving to the city of Bulawayo, Lumbie’s journey has been fueled by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to service. With degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, she seamlessly blends technology, leadership, and advocacy to drive impactful change. A United Nations Global Goals Ambassador, she amplifies urgent global issues, advocating for sustainability, gender equity, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

As the Founder of100 Voices for the Planet, a UN Water Action Agenda initiative featured on the UN Partnership for Progress website, Lumbie is a driving force for global change. She

champions climate action and conscious living, advocating for the protection and equitable access to natural resources for all. Her approach aligns with the United Nations Global Compact’s (UNGC) 10 Principles, all UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and all the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). 100 Voices for the Planet harnesses the power of collective action to accelerate progress, transparency, and impact-driven engagement. By fostering replicable solutions, the initiative creates a ripple effect that drives measurable and sustainable environmental change.

Lumbie’s influence extends across continents. She has spoken at major global platforms such as the UN General Assembly and UNESCO Youth Conference, Shanghai’s Inclusion Conference, and JUMPSTARTER, addressing the intersection of technology, water, and job creation. She also spoke on the panel at the University of Arizona Forbes School of Business & Technology. Recently, she graced the Nasdaq Billboard in Times Square, New York, making her a Milestone Maker – a recognition of her trailblazing work.

Beyond her nonprofit, Lumbie actively mentors and champions young entrepreneurs through initiatives like Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), Tony Elumelu Foundation, and 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion, empowering the next generation to bridge digital, financial, and gender divides. She is also a Session Convenor for the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly.

Lumbie’s unwavering commitment stems from a personal story of grit—surviving three strokes in Zimbabwe and emerging stronger, with a laser clear purpose and even greater commitment to uplifting communities. Her passion for the arts and music industry has further amplified her mission, leveraging the universal language of music to raise awareness about clean water and sustainability.

Recognized with accolades such as the UN Global Leadership Award, AABLA x CNBC Africa Philanthropist of the Year, and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) SDG Business Award, Lumbie is a beacon of Afro-optimism, embodying the new rulebook for leadership in an era of rapid technological transformation.

At this 10th edition of the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, Lumbie Mlambo looks forward to interactions and telling her story of resilience, leadership, and legacy—challenging the status quo and redefining the future of progress in Africa and beyond.