Growing up in a community where access to information was scarce, I never imagined that one day my voice would contribute to national and regional conversations on climate justice.
That is me, Zakia Mrisho, Communication and Digital advocacy officer at Amshaamsha Foundation, with a mission to create the ecosystem needed for climate restoration, mitigation, and adaptation to bring about transformation towards sustainability and equity within societies with innovative and environmentally friendly approaches.
My journey started in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), where I focused on digital tools and systems. But along the way, I realized something was missing, human stories, especially from communities facing the harshest realities of climate change, were being left out.
That realization sparked my transition from IT into communication and journalism, with a specific focus on climate issues and renewable energy. I saw a gap not only in access to energy, but in how people understood and engaged with solutions including solar power in rural areas.
I wanted to be the bridge that connects communities to information, and decision-makers to the stories that matter.
Turning point: Meeting Rasuli
One of the most impactful stories I’ve ever told was about Rasuli, a young farmer from the Kilimanjaro region. For years, Rasuli struggled with low crop yields due to unpredictable weather and high irrigation costs from diesel-powered pumps.
When he joined the Samekaya Saccos and accessed a micro-loan to install a solar-powered irrigation system, everything changed. His farm became more productive, his income grew, and he became a local advocate for clean energy.
Rasuli’s story was not just about solar panels or farming, it was about resilience, innovation, and hope. Telling his story reminded me that climate justice is not only about policies and conferences; it’s about people like Rasuli who are adapting, surviving, and thriving despite the odds.
The Role of Nukta Africa
When I began my reporting journey, I lacked experience in investigative journalism and data storytelling. That changed when I joined Nukta Africa, a media and technology company that transforms people’s lives through data and digital tools and content. Nukta provided training on data analysis, fact-checking, mobile journalism, and narrative storytelling, essential skills for telling impactful climate stories.
With the mentorship and resources from Nukta Africa, I learned how to use local data to support my reporting, and how to craft human-centered narratives that resonate. I also gained the confidence to interview policymakers, energy experts, and rural communities. More importantly, Nukta encouraged me to follow my passion for climate and renewable energy reporting, helping me carve out a niche that aligned with both my values and the needs of my country.
Recognition: Uganda National Journalism Award
May 2025, I was honored to receive the Uganda National Journalism Award for Excellence in Reporting on Productive Use of Solar Energy in Agriculture. It was my first international journalism award, and it marked a powerful milestone not just for me, but for all the communities whose stories I’ve told. The award-winning story featured Rasuli and highlighted how localized solar solutions can transform agriculture and livelihoods in East Africa.
This recognition affirmed that stories from Tanzania can have a global impact, and that youth-led reporting on climate issues is both necessary and powerful. It also reminded me that when people are given the platform to speak, the world listens.
Today, as I continue working as a journalist and communication officer, creating content that promotes climate resilience, digital safety, and community empowerment. I believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to drive change and that climate justice begins with listening to those most affected.
To any young person considering a shift into climate communication, your background doesn’t limit you, your voice empowers you. Whether you’re from IT, teaching, or farming, your experiences can help shape how we understand and fight the climate crisis.
With platforms like Nukta Africa, supportive networks, and the courage to keep learning, you too can turn your passion into impact and your story into change.