Agricultural and Rural Finance Expert
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I am a rural finance and development specialist with extensive experience in designing and managing agricultural and rural development programs across Africa. My expertise spans rural finance, agricultural value chain development, financial inclusion, climate and carbon finance, project management, policy development, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
Over the course of my career, I have worked with leading international development organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the ViSION Fund Zambia (VFZ), supporting initiatives aimed at improving rural livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and enhancing access to finance for smallholder farmers and rural enterprises.
I have played a key role in the design and implementation of rural development and agricultural investment programs, promoting innovative financing solutions, market linkages, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. I have also contributed to the development of strategies and policies that support inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable rural transformation.
In addition, I have significant experience working with farmer organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and development partners to strengthen agricultural value chains and expand financial services in underserved rural communities. My work has included project appraisal, resource mobilization, impact assessment, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and results-based management.
Recognized for my analytical skills, strategic thinking, and results-oriented approach, I am committed to advancing financial inclusion, agricultural development, and sustainable rural transformation. My professional experience with organizations such as WFP, IFAD, and VFZ has equipped me with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural economies, enabling me to develop and implement impactful interventions that improve livelihoods and foster sustainable economic growth
I am a rural finance and development professional with extensive experience in agricultural development, financial inclusion, climate finance, and rural livelihoods programming across Africa. My career has involved working with international development organizations, regional institutions, governments, financial service providers, and rural communities to design and implement sustainable development initiatives that enhance economic opportunities and improve livelihoods.
At the World Food Programme (WFP), I supported programs focused on food security, resilience building, and sustainable livelihood development for smallholder farmers and vulnerable rural households. My work contributed to strengthening market access, improving agricultural productivity, and promoting inclusive rural economic growth.
Through my engagement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), I contributed to the design, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of agricultural and rural finance projects. My responsibilities included value chain development, rural financial services, project monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder coordination, and strengthening access to finance for smallholder farmers and rural enterprises.
While working with the Village Fund Zambia (VFZ), I supported efforts to expand financial inclusion among underserved rural populations. My role focused on developing and promoting community-based financial services, facilitating access to credit, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting entrepreneurship among small-scale farmers, women, and youth.
Most recently, I serve with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as a Carbon Finance Expert, supporting the development and implementation of climate finance and carbon market initiatives across member states. My work includes project development, carbon market readiness, policy support, stakeholder engagement, procurement management, baseline data initiatives, and coordination with development partners, including the World Bank, to advance sustainable development and climate resilience objectives.
Across these roles, I have developed strong expertise in rural finance, agricultural value chain development, financial inclusion, climate and carbon finance, project management, policy development, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and partnership management. My professional experience has enabled me to contribute to transformative programs that strengthen rural economies, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable and inclusive development
I hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Management from the Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia, obtained in 2023. Prior to this, I earned a Master of Science in Applied and Agricultural Economics, specializing in Rural and Agricultural Finance, from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. I further enhanced my expertise through a Certificate Programme in International Trade Policy from Lund University, Sweden.
My academic foundation was established at the University of Zambia, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics. This combination of advanced training in business management, agricultural economics, rural finance, and international trade has provided me with a strong analytical and practical foundation for leading initiatives in rural development, financial inclusion, agricultural value chain development, climate finance, and sustainable economic transformation.
