How long have you been involved in the international development sector and what first inspired you to enter the sector?
My journey in the international development sector has been a deeply personal one, shaped by a desire to give back to my beloved Zimbabwe and contribute to meaningful change. My experience in international development spans nearly five years, with two and a half years dedicated to my current role at Uncommon.org. Previously I worked as an Executive Administrator at Figtree Foundation.
The decision to transition from the corporate world to international development was a conscious one, driven by a deep sense of purpose. My earlier career in the corporate world equipped me with critical skills in project management, financial analysis, and strategic planning. I’m grateful for that foundation – it provided the structure and discipline I still rely on today.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe from Canada, I was filled with a strong desire to contribute to the community and work within a sector that fosters leadership and facilitates impactful contributions. This shift wasn’t just a career change; it was a commitment to leveraging my skills and experience to support sustainable development initiatives. Working on projects like tech-education for underserved youth has been profoundly fulfilling. I’m constantly challenged to adapt, collaborate, and think creatively. Each project deepens my commitment to equity and community empowerment. I’m proud to be part of a sector that reflects who I am and the change I want to see.
Image: Hosting the Honourable Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo at our Mufakose Innovation Hub.
What have been the biggest changes you have witnessed throughout your time in the development sector, specifically in relation to your area of expertise?
The development sector has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years, particularly with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and coding. These technologies are not only changing how organisations operate, but are also redefining the skills that matter most for development organisations to thrive. AI has introduced advancements in automation, data analysis, personalisation, and overall efficiency, accelerating the pace and scale of impact in development work.
These shifts are evident not only in tech-focused initiatives but also across broader thematic areas such as health, education, and gender. For example, AI is being used to personalize education, improve diagnostic tools in healthcare, and strengthen gender-based programming through more responsive data systems. However, to ensure these tools are truly impactful, they must be adapted to local realities. Localised solutions – designed with community input and context – are essential for scaling innovation equitably and ensuring that the benefits of AI and digital tools reach everyone.
At the same time, one of the most powerful changes I have witnessed and felt personally inspired by is how AI also empowers individuals and communities that we work with through Uncommon.org. At Uncommon.org, we’ve seen firsthand how equipping young students, youth, and educators from diverse backgrounds with digital skills can unlock potential. We focus on providing practical, inclusive training that enables people not only to transform their own lives but also to drive positive change in the places they call home.
When people gain the ability to learn, build, and share knowledge, the ripple effect is profound, and it gives me so much hope for what’s ahead.
If you could see one change in the international development sector occur tomorrow, what would it be and why?
It would be a sector-wide embrace of unrestricted, knowledge-based philanthropic funding. Unlike traditional restricted contributions, which often tie organisations to specific projects and narrowly defined outcomes, unrestricted funding gives organisations the flexibility to meet the real, evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Development challenges are rarely one-size-fits-all; each community has its own unique context, history, and set of priorities. By trusting organisations, especially those embedded in local contexts, to decide how to allocate resources, we enable faster, more relevant, and more sustainable solutions.
This isn’t just about flexibility. It’s about saying: “We trust the people closest to the problem to lead the way.” A move towards more trust-based, unrestricted funding would build a stronger, more equitable development ecosystem that values local expertise and fosters true collaboration. At the heart of it, it’s about partnership, respect, and impact that lasts.
Image: Student check-in at our Bulawayo Innovation Hub.
AIDN’s ethos is “more” and “better” international giving from Australians. What does “more” or “better” international giving look like to you? (Feel free to answer with reference to “more” or “better” or both)
“More” and “better” are interconnected. “More” is about expanding reach; growing awareness, mobilising greater resources, building new partnerships, and engaging a broader network of supporters who resonate with our mission. By leveraging diverse communication channels – whether digital platforms, storytelling, or in-person outreach – we aim to connect with people in ways that inspire participation and shared purpose.
“Better” is what gives that growth real power. It speaks to the quality and impact of every contribution received. This means being intentional in how we design and deliver our programmes, prioritising thoughtful planning, robust monitoring and evaluation, and a deep commitment to transparency and accountability. It’s about ensuring that every dollar, every hour, and every act of support is directed toward the most meaningful, sustainable outcomes possible.
Uncommon.org is a testament to this dual approach. Our Bootcamp, Youth Coding, Teacher Training, and Outreach Programmes are not just standalone projects; they are catalysts for long-term empowerment and community-driven change. By expanding both the scale and quality of our impact, we’re helping to build a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and opportunity in Zimbabwe. When we combine more support with better strategy, we move closer to a future driven by collaboration, equity, and lasting impact.
Image: The opening of Uncommon.org’s first rural Innovation Hub in Nembuziya, Gokwe North.
Michelle Gwatiringa
Michelle Gwatiringa is the Country Director at Uncommon.org, a technology-focused non-profit Trust. With 20 years of experience working in global organisations across Canada, the UK, Angola, and Zimbabwe, she brings a wealth of cross-cultural insight to her leadership. Michelle is a dynamic and accomplished executive with a proven track record in programme management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic operations across the not-for-profit and private sectors.
She holds a Master’s in Human Resources from Liverpool John Moores University and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Administration from Acadia University. Passionate about community development, fundraising strategy, and human capital growth, she continues to drive sustainable impact through innovation and collaborative leadership.