Air cargo plays a vital role in Malawi’s economy, connecting farmers, traders, and manufacturers to regional and international markets. It is the lifeline for industries that depend on fast and reliable transport, from horticulture and floriculture to pharmaceuticals. At the center of this critical sector is Thokozani Unyolo, Chief Executive Officer of Air Cargo Malawi since late 2023. Her leadership is reshaping the country’s logistics landscape. With marketing finesse, operational insight, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive leadership, she is positioning the company not just as a transporter of goods but as a driver of economic growth and empowerment.
Born on April 23, 1981, as the youngest of ten children, Unyolo learned resilience and determination early in life. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Namibia and an MBA from Gordon Institute of Business Science in South Africa. Her pan-African experience spans roles in marketing, product development, and cross-border brand leadership.
Since 2022, she has gained significant international recognition. She was appointed to the CMO Council Advisory Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, a role that places her among leading marketing executives across many countries. Her peers at GIBS recognised her in 2023 as one of the Top Women Achievers. That same year she featured among Malawi’s 100 Inspiring Women. In 2024 she was listed as one of Women to Watch in Malawi, highlighting her growing influence and impact.
In her role at Air Cargo Malawi, she is leading initiatives that improve export logistics, reduce transit delays, and expand trade capacity. She has pushed for regulatory support for pharmaceutical transport, allowing importers and exporters to transact in local currency to ease foreign exchange burdens. A strategic partnership with the Malawi Defence Force has enabled transport of high-value agricultural products, strengthening Malawi’s trade profile in the region.
Unyolo’s advocacy work complements her operational leadership. She has been a vocal proponent of women’s empowerment and mentorship, emphasizing network building, capacity development, and visibility for women in leadership positions. Her recognition at national and international forums underscores her role not only as a business executive but as a role model.
As she steers Air Cargo Malawi forward, Thokozani Unyolo continues proving that leadership grounded in purpose and performance can catalyze durable change. Her awards, recognitions, and strategic wins are part of a larger story of how logistics, trade, and inclusive governance can combine to shape Malawi’s future.
