In many parts of Africa, orphans struggle to obtain a decent education. According to a 2015 report by Research Gate, children who lose one or both parents are significantly less likely to access education compared to those with both parents. These children often lack the financial and emotional support of their parents and contend with additional obstacles such as poverty, inadequate schools, and societal neglect. Consequently, many orphans must prioritise survival over education. However, Maud Chifamba’s story challenges this narrative.
The battle becomes more daunting for female orphans in Africa due to cultural pressures that often push early marriage as a perceived solution for security and stability. According to a 2024 report, 100 female orphans—allegedly underage—were forced into marriage in Niger State, Nigeria. These cultural practices worsen the already challenging conditions faced by orphaned girls, severely limiting their opportunities for education and personal development.
With few opportunities and resources, these young girls are often viewed as burdens, and marriage is seen as the simplest solution. Consequently, many are compelled to give up their educational aspirations in favour of early motherhood, leaving them stuck in a relentless cycle of poverty and illiteracy. However, this was different for Maud Chifamba, as her story is of sheer determination.
The early years of Maud Chifamba.
Born into poverty in Chegutu central, Zimbabwe, in 1997, Maud lost her parents at an early age, leaving her and her siblings to fend for themselves. After losing her Father, who had been their primary caregiver, she was forced to drop out of school as she had barely enough resources to survive.
Despite this situation, Maud refused to let her circumstances define her. She believed education would give her a decisive advantage, one many feared she had lost along with her parents. So, she decided to home-school herself. She borrowed books and studied long hours during the day and late into the night. With this, she aced an Advanced-Level examination with flying colours. This achievement placed her on the radar of the Zimbabwean government, which was impressed by her commitment to education and awarded her a $10,000 scholarship to fund her education at the University of Zimbabwe.
History is made- She goes global.
In 2012, Maud made history as the youngest person ever admitted to a university in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa at just 14 years old. She continued to break records, graduating as the youngest student from any university in Zimbabwe at 18 with a Bachelor of Accounting Honours Degree in 2016. By 2018, she had earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Accountancy from the University of Zimbabwe and pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance at The Wharton School.
Maud’s achievements were recognised globally; in 2012, Forbes listed her as the fifth-youngest powerful woman in Africa. Recently, celebrating her status as a Chartered Accountant, Maud shared her joy with over 55,000 followers on LinkedIn. Her story stands as a powerful testament to resilience and determination. “If anyone had told me ndiri ku primary I would be a CA, it would be unbelievable, the biggest joke. All odds were against this. Kwatinobva kure! This is why this means so much more. Inini chaiye, a whole Chartered Accountant. A CA.” she wrote.
Now 26 years old and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maud Chifamba is a distinguished TMT investment banker, Chartered Accountant, and passionate education advocate. She has held prominent roles in the finance sector and uses social media to inspire others with her journey. Despite facing societal pressures and the potential setbacks of early marriage, Maud remained undeterred and refused to settle for less. Her story proves that even the harshest circumstances can be overcome with determination and focus. If Maud, once a 13-year-old orphan, can achieve remarkable success, so can anyone committed to pursuing their goals with unwavering resolve.
