Diana Chando: Leading beyond borders

DAR ES SALAAM: EVERY generation is shaped by individuals who choose to create opportunities rather than wait for them. For Diana Chando, youth empowerment has never been about giving young people a voice only during discussions; it has been about ensuring they are part of the decisions that shape their future.

Diana, who comes from Njombe Region and is the youngest of three children in her family, says her journey has been shaped by determination, resilience and the unwavering support of her parents and siblings. From an early interest in leadership and diplomacy, she has grown into a young professional whose work connects youth aspirations with regional and continental policy discussions.

Today, Diana serves as a Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, where she contributes to diplomacy and regional cooperation initiatives. Through her professional and youth leadership engagements, she continues to promote meaningful youth participation in peace, governance and development conversations across Africa.

For Diana, leadership has never been about holding a position. It has been about creating opportunities for others, influencing policies and ensuring that young people’s voices reach spaces where important decisions are made.

“I have always been interested in leadership, diplomacy and international relations,” she says. “From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in a space where I could contribute to solving challenges facing society, especially those affecting young people.” Her path, however, was built through choices that required courage and determination.

After completing her secondary education, Diana secured an opportunity to study in the United States. However, after spending about a year there, she realised that the programme she had chosen did not match the career path she wanted to pursue.

Determined to follow her passion, she later joined a university in London, where she pursued studies in international relations and law after receiving advice that understanding legal systems was important for anyone seeking to become an effective leader.

While pursuing her studies, Diana actively participated in university programmes, seminars and international forums. These experiences exposed her to professionals working in diplomacy, international development and youth leadership, expanding her understanding of how young people could influence change beyond national borders.

One of the important stages in her journey came when she travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, for specialised training in peace and security. The experience introduced her to international institutions and global discussions on peace, diplomacy and governance.

She later gained additional professional exposure through engagements with the United Nations Office at Geneva and the ACCORD Organisation in South Africa, further strengthening her understanding of multilateral diplomacy and peacebuilding.

She also volunteered in different United Nations programmes, believing that every opportunity to serve was a chance to gain experience, build networks and prepare for greater responsibilities.

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“When you volunteer, you are building experience, networks and confidence. Sometimes those opportunities become the foundation for bigger roles in the future,” she says.

After completing her studies, Diana returned home and pursued a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the University of Dar es Salaam, adding another dimension to her understanding of development challenges. Her breakthrough came after she saw an announcement inviting applications for the position of African Union Youth Ambassador.

The opportunity attracted many young professionals from across the continent, with applicants holding advanced qualifications receiving priority consideration.

“I remember reading the requirements and thinking that I probably did not meet every qualification. But I also asked myself, ‘What do I have to lose by applying?’” she recalls. She submitted her application and later received an invitation for an interview. Before attending the interview, her mother encouraged her to remain confident, be herself and present her ideas clearly.

During the interview, Diana shared her passion for youth development, diplomacy and intercultural engagement. Shortly afterwards, she received news that marked a major milestone in her career: she had been selected to represent East African youth under the African Union.

“It was one of the happiest moments of my life,” she says. “I realised that sometimes the opportunities we think are beyond our reach are actually possible if we are willing to try.” Her role placed her among young leaders engaging in continental discussions involving governments, youth organisations and policymakers.

She participated in meetings where issues affecting young people were discussed and presented recommendations based on the challenges and opportunities facing youth across East Africa.

“We were there to ensure that the voices of young people reached decision-makers,” she explains. During her assignment, Diana focused on issues affecting young people, including employment opportunities, access to finance, entrepreneurship, girls’ education, women’s empowerment and youth participation in governance.

She also engaged in programmes aimed at strengthening young people’s capacity, including training youth affected by conflicts in different African countries.

Through these initiatives, she supported efforts to encourage young people to develop skills, pursue economic opportunities and participate positively in their communities. Diana further participated in election-related programmes, where she trained young people on the importance of peaceful participation and responsible citizenship during electoral processes.

Her continental engagements allowed her to travel to countries including Burundi, Uganda and Djibouti, where she interacted with leaders, policymakers and youth representatives. She says the response from young people encouraged her to continue serving and reminded her that dedication and professionalism build trust and open new opportunities.

“Working with dedication and integrity allows people to trust you and creates opportunities to serve in bigger responsibilities,” she says.

After completing her African Union assignment in 2024, Diana returned home with valuable experience and a stronger commitment to public service. She continues to work with regional and international partners to connect young people with opportunities and to promote their participation in development and governance discussions.

Beyond her government role, Diana serves on the boards of Africa Youth Forum International (AYFI) and the African Leadership Initiative for Impact, organisations that promote youth leadership, inclusive governance and cross-border cooperation across the continent.

Her contribution to youth leadership and diplomacy has earned continental recognition, including being named among the 100 Most Notable Women in Africa in 2024. Despite her achievements, Diana remains focused on the impact of her work rather than recognition. She believes leadership should be measured by the difference one creates in the lives of others.

“I believe in working hard, trusting God and allowing opportunities to unfold at the right time,” she says.