—Engineer Bernard Mwape Chiwala is a renowned Transformational Leader in Zambia who blends both technical and Commercial skills. Living by the DWA PRINCIPLE [Decision with Action] is what has defined Engineer Chiwala during his illustrious career that began in 1991. As a visionary leader, an engineer, and a family man, Engineer Chiwala’s contributions have significantly helped to shape Public infrastructure in Zambia.  

—ENGINEERCHIWALA has held several high-ranking positions, including Director and CEO of the Road Development Agency, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, and President of the Engineering Institution of Zambia. He also served as the Managing Director of Nkana Water and Sewerage Company where he led the organization to achieve the NWASCO Award of BEST RUN WATER COMPANY IN ZAMBIA during the period 2006/2007 and2004/2005. In recognition of his contribution to Public Infrastructure development in Zambia, Engineer Chiwala was on 25^th May2025 awarded the Grand Commander to the Order of Distinguished Service: First Division by the Republican President.

—Engineer Chiwala wears many hats, one of which is that of a Farmer, specifically avocado farming, as a strategic pathway for transforming Zambia’s economy and building intergenerational wealth. He firmly believes we can FARM ZAMBIA OUT OF POVERTYTHROUGH AGRICULTURE MECHANIZATION AND VALUE ADDITION.

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Managing Director & Business Area Head – East & Southern Africa, Syngenta

Given Mudenda is a seasoned agribusiness leader currently serving as Managing Director of Syngenta Zambia and Business Area Head for East & Southern Africa. With over a decade of leadership experience in the region, he is committed to driving sustainable agricultural transformation through innovation, including regenerative farming, advanced seed treatments, and modern crop protection technologies.

He has played a key role in introducing cutting-edge solutions to boost productivity and farm resilience, such as FORTENZA® Duo, MIRAVIS Duo®, and novel nematicide pipelines. Under his leadership, Syngenta has strengthened partnerships with governments, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to promote food security, soil health, and sustainable farming practices across the region.

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Dr. Harriet Scott is a seasoned Market and Research Consultant with expertise in Food Systems, Gender Equity, and Agricultural Value Chains. She is the Founder of Hasco Consultants and Chairperson of the Board of Africa Feature Network. With over 15 years of experience working with farmers, policymakers, and development partners across Africa, Dr. Harriet champions data-driven approaches to sustainable agriculture and equitable market access. Her work focuses on empowering women in agribusiness, promoting food sovereignty, and advancing intra-African trade. She brings a dynamic voice to the Farmers Choice Awards, advocating for innovation, inclusion, and dignity in farming.

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Dr. Mainza Obby Nicholus is a Chief Agriculture Economist – Department of Agribusiness and Marketing for the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia, and the National Secretary for the Economics Association of Zambia. He is also known for his work as an agribusiness specialist and a consultant, a public speaker, a business masterclass tutor, and a part-time lecturer. He has been in the agribusiness sector for over 20 years of practice and mentorship. He is a frequent TV discussant on African economies and agri-food systems, and has authored the book "I SEE GOLD WHERE OTHERS SEE DUST". He holds multiple academic and professional qualifications from PhD, MSc, MBA, BSc to many more corporate certificates in governance and project management.

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