Emma Makuzva

I am a Senior Supply Chain, Procurement and Commercial Executive with 20+ years of international experience leading end-to-end supply chain operations, strategic sourcing, commodity trading, and commercial transformation across Africa and global markets. I have a track record in building and scaling supply chain functions, negotiating high-value international contracts, delivering cost optimisation, risk management, and operational efficiency at senior levels while leading multi-country operations. My experience straddles across FMCG, oil & gas, manufacturing, infrastructure and commodity trading environments.

I have successfully led multi-million dollar portfolios, complex logistics networks and cross border trade operations across Africa, Asia, parts of Europe and South America. I am experienced in developing commercial ecosystems that optimise operational efficiency. I am also good at combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution; driving business growth, resilience, and commercial transformation.

Supply Chain & Global Sourcing Consultant - Self-Employed - Zimbabwe & Southern Africa

(2022-01)

Providing strategic supply chain advisory and international sourcing services to organisations operating across mining, petroleum, manufacturing, and food sectors.

• Managing sourcing initiatives for seafood imports (ex Namibia & Mozambique) supporting the largest seafood importer in Zimbabwe
• Negotiated rail unit train logistics solution (Zimbabwe → DRC) reducing transport costs and improving supply chain efficiency by migrating from road freight
• Advising organisations on procurement transformation, supplier selection & contract negotiation to improve cost efficiency & supply continuity
• Supporting clients on export value chain optimisation and commercial network development
• Conducting procurement training programmes focused on best practice sourcing, lean operations and negotiation strategies

Commercial Director - Lumetar Petroleum (Pty) Ltd - Cape Town, South Africa

(2018-02 - 2021-01)

Senior leadership role responsible for commercial strategy, procurement, supply chain operations, sales, marketing and business growth within a petroleum trading start-up.

• Established the company's procurement, logistics and trading frameworks from inception enabling rapid market entry and operational scalability
• Managed inbound and outbound fuel agreements across regional & international markets
• Oversaw overall commercial activity including P&L and systems set up in sales, procurement, finance, compliance, tax and statutory reporting and regulatory adherence
• Drove revenue growth through strategic sourcing and market expansion
• Built strategic partnerships with suppliers & logistics providers strengthening supply chain resilience

General Manager - Dralon Trading (Pvt) Ltd - Zimbabwe

(2004-04 - 2018-01)

Directed operations across a diversified business with interests in fuel retail, steel fabrication & hardware distribution, commodity imports, and infrastructure projects execution.

• Delivered consistent year-on-year revenue growth across multiple business units
• Managed complex infrastructure projects including municipal sewage works plants, pipeline installations, and commercial building developments
• Directed procurement, logistics, finance, marketing, HR and operations functional teams, including P&L responsibility
• Led government and municipal tenders preparation, submission and projects execution
• Built strong stakeholder relationships across government and private sector
• Honed entrepreneurial and business acumen skills through business development activities

Group Procurement Manager - National Foods Limited - Zimbabwe

(2002-02 - 2004-01)

Led group-wide procurement and supply chain operations for one of Southern Africa's largest food manufacturers.

• Managed global sourcing of key commodities (rice, wheat, maize, sugar, oilseeds, pulses)
• Developed international supplier relationships across Brazil, Pakistan, Europe and regional African markets
• Negotiated multi-million dollar procurement contracts across international markets, delivering cost savings, supply stability, and inventory optimisation
• Oversaw large Capex and Opex budgets, including manufacturing plants expansion projects
• Introduced a contract growers programme supporting local sourcing sustainability for grains

Logistics Manager - ExxonMobil - Southern Africa Region

(1998-11 - 2002-01)

Managed logistics and procurement operations across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.

• Managed contracts exceeding $250M across multi-country supply chains using multi-currencies while supporting regional petroleum products distribution
• Optimised regional logistics network and supply chain efficiency through process optimisation & supply chain planning resulting in significant inventory holding savings
• Ensured supplier compliance with global Exxon Mobil SHE & governance standards

Earlier Career Experience - Various

This helped me develop a strong foundation in international trade, customs compliance, logistics coordination and import/export documentation.

• Shipping Manager – Superior Footwear & Imponente Tanning
• Shipping Officer – Tube & Pipe Industries
• Senior Examining Officer – Department of Customs & Excise

MBA (2008)

Bachelor of Commerce - Transport Economics, Logistics & Business Management (2001)