Leah Yondela

Managing Director, Zamseed Zambia| Chartered Accountant | FCCA | FZICA

“My passion for agriculture is in the field — with the research and agronomy teams, where the real work happens.”

On 1 February 2026, Leah Yondela made history as the first female Managing Director appointed at Zamseed-Zambia, Zambias oldest seed company with a legacy spanning over 50 years. A Chartered Accountant who began her professional journey at the age of 19, Leah brings over 25 years of broad-based experience across financial services and agribusiness to this landmark role.

Her career began in the financial sector, where she served as Treasury Manager in the treasury departments of two commercial banks. Among her most notable achievements during this period was the establishment of the treasury department at the National Savings and Credit Bank. She subsequently transitioned into the agricultural sector, taking on the role of Finance Director at a seed company before proceeding on secondment to Malawi as Finance Director of Seed Co Malawi. In 2024, Leah pivoted from finance into business development, leading Zamseeds Africa business development portfolio prior to her appointment as Managing Director.

Leah holds a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University and an Advanced Diploma in Transfer Pricing from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (FZICA), and a Certified Treasurer credentialled by the ACI. Her professional strengths include systems design and implementation, financial strategy, and leadership coaching.

Leah serves on the boards of Agritrekta (farming equipment services), Musika, and Chengelo School. She also serves as Executive Advisor at YCorp Business Solutions. Her passion for agriculture extends beyond the boardroom; she regularly spends time with research and agronomy teams in the field, reflecting her hands-on commitment to the sector.

On a personal level, Leah has been married to her college sweetheart, Joseph, for 24 years, and together they are parents to three children.

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‍Brian Mulenga is an Agricultural Economist and serves as the Executive Director of the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI). With over 12 years of experience in agri-food systems policy research and analysis, Brian specializesin agricultural marketing and trade, climate change, and natural resources management in Zambia and the southern African region. Brian’s work is rooted inevidence generation to inform policy and investment decisions that driveinclusive transformation of agri-food systems and economic devlopment.

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JR.Mubanga Kondolo Jr. is Manager Capital Markets Master Plan at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Zambia.He has worked in the financial sector for thirteen years, nine of which he has spent at the Commission. Before beingthe focal point for the CMMP, Zambia’s ten-year long-term strategy for capital markets development, Mubanga servedas Manager for Financial Inclusion at the Commission, where he was the focal point for the National Financial InclusionStrategy as well as National Strategy on Financial Education for Zambia.Mubanga holds a BA (Hons) in Business and Management from the University of Sunderland and professionalcertificationsfrom the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments,the Toronto Centre of Canada and the Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust. He is also currently pursuing apost graduate diploma in Development Finance.

‍Technical Sales Manager – Day-Old Chicks (DOC)

Luka Mzumara is a seasoned agribusiness professional with over 28 years of experience in poultry breeding, commercial day-old chick (DOC) sales, and customer support. He brings a deep, practical understanding of the poultry value chain, spanning from breeder operations to on-the-ground farmer success.

Having joined Hybrid Poultry Farms in July 1996, Luka has demonstrated exceptional dedication and consistency, building a distinguished career within one of Zambia’s leading poultry institutions. Over the years, he has played a key role in strengthening customer relationships, supporting farmers, and driving the growth of the DOC market.

His extensive experience has enabled him to successfully navigate complex industry challenges, build and lead teams, and contribute to the development of sustainable poultry production systems in Zambia and the broader region.

Luka is widely respected for his technical expertise, industry knowledge, and commitment to empowering farmers through practical solutions and reliable support.

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Judith Annie Mwila is a Zambian agribusiness entrepreneur, community development leader, and Agricoop Mixed Farmer of the Year 2025, based in Mapepe, Chilanga District. With a lifelong passion for agriculture, she has built a successful mixed farming enterprise while championing sustainable livelihoods and value addition.

Beyond farming, Judith is the founder of Families Are Nations (FAN), through which she has empowered over 50 groups of women and girls with skills in agriculture, processing, and income generation. She is also a strong advocate for community transformation, supporting vulnerable children and the elderly, and co-founding the Mabanja Abwino Cooperative Society to promote youth and women participation in agribusiness.

With international exposure through programs such as AWEP and the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program, Judith combines practical farming experience with leadership in social change. Affectionately known as “Aunty Judy,” she is a respected media voice on agriculture, family development, and community empowerment.

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Joe Syafunko is Head of Agriculture Banking at Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc (Zanaco), where he leads strategy, portfolio growth, and innovation across primary agriculture, agribusiness (Secondary Agriculture), and value-chain finance. With over a decade of experience in commercial, corporate and investment banking, Joe has structured and managed complex facilities for some of Zambia’s largest and smallest agrifood players, blending commercial lending with development finance to unlock climate-smart investment. He is involved in partnerships with development finance institutions (DFIs), donors, and government to expand inclusive finance for smallholder and commercial farmers, driving resilience and sustainability across Zambia’s food systems.

Cassandra Mtine-Makumbi is the Chief Executive Officer of AgriPredict Solutions, an agri-tech company leveraging technology to support small-scale farmers in accessing timely, on-demand agricultural information. Through its platform, AgriPredict delivers services including weather updates, market access, early warning systems, linkages to agro-dealers and group management, with over 505,000 farmers across Zambia on the platform and generating more than 28 million interactions.

Cassandra holds a background in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Arizona. Over the past decade, she has built extensive experience across innovative organisations locally and internationally, leading initiatives in both non-profit and for-profit sectors, as well as collaborating with local businesses to develop new solutions.

She is deeply committed to driving meaningful impact and is passionate about agriculture and the growing adoption of digital tools among small-scale farmers. Her work focuses on leveraging technology to strengthen farmer resilience and advance sustainable agricultural development.

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Ahmad Hamwi is the Founder and CEO of Rinato Space, Zambia’s first private space technology company. He builds systems that turn satellite intelligence into real decisions for farmers, governments, and organizations across Africa.

His work challenges traditional approaches to agriculture by enabling stakeholders to anticipate risk, optimize performance, and operate with precision instead of guesswork.

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Robert Mwale has been at the helm of Tobacco Board of Zambia as Executive Director for the past two years, bringing a fresh wave of innovation and steering the organization towards unprecedented success.

His remarkable leadership has not gone unnoticed, earning him prestigious awards such as CEO of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was also conferred with an honorary PhD.

Under his guidance, TBZ has seen a significant turnaround, with tobacco volumes increasing exponentially from 43 million to a staggering 72 million kgs in 2025.

This milestone marks a first in the industry, solidifying TBZ's position as a leader in the tobacco market. As a result, the organization has also been recognized as Brand of the Year.

Mwale's impressive track record is a testament to his dedication and expertise, holding a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in his field.

His achievements serve as an inspiration to many

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Mutale Adrian Mulenga is the Manager – Agriculture Specialities at Mayfair Insurance Zambia, where he leads the development and delivery of specialized insurance solutions tailored to the agricultural sector.

With a strong understanding of agricultural risk and value chain dynamics, Mutale plays a pivotal role in designing products that safeguard farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural investments against uncertainties. His work focuses on enhancing resilience within the sector by promoting risk management practices and expanding access to agricultural insurance.

Through his role, he actively supports the growth and sustainability of agriculture by ensuring that farmers and industry players are better protected, enabling them to invest with confidence and scale their operations. His contribution is instrumental in strengthening the financial security framework that underpins a thriving agricultural ecosystem.

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Owen Mumwensi is an Agricultural Engineer serving as Assistant Farm Machinery Manager, with a strong focus on advancing agricultural mechanization and improving farm productivity. He is responsible for the management and operation of farm machinery and equipment, ensuring efficiency and optimal performance in agricultural activities.

Owen plays a key role in capacity building, providing practical training to interns and farmers on the effective use, maintenance, and application of farm machinery. Through hands-on field demonstrations, he bridges the gap between technology and on-the-ground farming practices, promoting the adoption of modern, efficient farming methods.

In addition, he facilitates access to asset financing, supporting farmers in acquiring essential machinery and transitioning from labor-intensive systems to mechanized operations. His work contributes to enhancing productivity, reducing operational constraints, and driving the modernization of agriculture.

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Silon Banda is a Zambian tech Innovator focused on building practical digital solutions for Zambia's informal markets and agricultural sector. He is a co-founderr of Bargnbay, a platform that connects market vendors and consumers while providing access to real-time commodity pricing and streamlined logistics.

His every-day work sits at the intersection of agriculture, data, and commerce, with a strong focus on improving market access, transparency, and income opportunities for small-scale traders and farmers with a particular interest in how startups and telecom infrastructure can unlock inclusive digital transformation across underserved communities.

He actively explores scalable models in AgriTech, fintech-enabled marketplaces, and digital ecosystems that empower everyday economic players to participate more efficiently in modern markets.

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Amit Lokhande is the Business Head of Dripking Industry Limited, with over 24 years of experience in FMCG and agribusiness across India, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. Since relocating to Zambia in 2022, he has focused on advancing practical irrigation solutions that support farmers in improving productivity and climate resilience.

During the 2023 drought in Zambia, Amit was engaged in the supply of drip irrigation systems and related solutions. As water scarcity intensified, demand for drip irrigation surged dramatically, exposing the challenges created by heavy reliance on imported irrigation products and the difficulty of meeting urgent farmer demand.

This experience inspired Amit, together with founder-investor Dr. Narendra Bhati, to establish Dripking Industry Limited to manufacture high-quality, affordable drip irrigation tapes locally in Zambia. Production began in August 2025.

Beyond manufacturing, Amit is passionate about supporting farmers through field trainings and live on-farm demonstrations, helping them adopt efficient and cost-effective irrigation solutions.

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Chanda Martin Mongo – Chief Executive Officer, Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ)

Chanda Martin Mongo is the Chief Executive Officer of Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), bringing over three decades of leadership experience across the private sector, government, and international development institutions. He has held senior roles at organizations such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), and Standard Chartered Bank, with a strong track record in business development, industrial policy, and enterprise growth.

A seasoned expert in private sector development, investment promotion, and corporate governance, Mr. Mongo has also served as Executive Director of the Small Enterprises Development Board and worked with global institutions including GIZ, USAID, COMESA, and the African Union. His expertise spans project financing, SME development, renewable energy, and value chain strengthening across the region.

He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Zambia.

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Nomthandazo Mguquka is a seasoned agriculture professional with extensive experience in the export industry, bringing a strong track record in facilitating market access, ensuring quality compliance, and driving sustainable agricultural trade. With a deep understanding of global supply chains and export regulations, she has worked closely with producers, exporters, and industry stakeholders to enhance competitiveness and unlock new market opportunities.

Her expertise spans value chain development, export readiness, and agribusiness strategy, with a particular focus on empowering farmers and agribusinesses to meet international standards. Nomthandazo is passionate about advancing agricultural growth through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive trade practices.

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Anthony Ssenyonga is a prominent 29-year-old Ugandan agronomist, agri-entrepreneur, certified plant doctor, and digital agriculture innovator based in Luwero District, Uganda, East Africa.
He is the Founder and CEO of Divine Mercy Agro Connect SMC Limited (DMAC), a licensed agribusiness focused on providing quality agro-inputs, extension services, farmer training, and digital advisory solutions to smallholder farmers.
Anthony began his journey as a small-scale vegetable farmer before transitioning into agro-dealing. He has since embraced digital agriculture, utilizing mobile-based outreach and platforms such as the CABI BioProtection Portal and PlantwisePlus to support farmers in diagnosing plant health issues, reducing production costs by up to 30%, improving yields, combating counterfeit inputs, and promoting sustainable bioprotection practices.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Bugema University and a Diploma in Crop Production and Management from Bukalasa Agricultural College.

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Dr. Birungi Korutaro is the Chief Executive Officer of Kilimo Trust and one of most authoritative voices in agricultural development in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Under her leadership, Kilimo Trust has delivered transformative impact at scale, reaching over one million smallholder farmers and guiding more than 50 agribusinesses toward long-term sustainability. Her work has strengthened value chains, expanded regional market access, and made measurable contributions to food security across the continent.

Dr. Korutaro holds a PhD in Business Management and Administration from Stellenbosch Business School, and brings rigorous strategic thinking to her engagement with governments, development finance institutions, and private sector actors to shape policy and build more effective agricultural systems.

A sought-after speaker and recognized thought leader, Dr. Korutaro is deeply committed to connecting smallholder farmers to structured markets and to mentoring the next generation of leaders, with a particular focus on empowering young women to drive social and economic transformation across Africa.

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Justine Chuunka – Director, Food Reserve Agency (FRA)

Justine Chuunka is the Director of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in Zambia, where he plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s national food security. With extensive experience in agricultural policy, grain marketing, and strategic reserve management, he oversees the procurement, storage, and distribution of staple crops, particularly maize, to stabilize supply and support farmers.

Under his leadership, the FRA continues to strengthen its operational efficiency, enhance partnerships with stakeholders, and contribute to Zambia’s broader agricultural development and food security objectives.

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Dr. Catherine Kabwe Mutale is a passionate and self-driven veterinary professional with extensive experience in veterinary consultancy, animal health management, and the sales and distribution of veterinary pharmaceuticals. She combines strong scientific knowledge with practical field experience, enabling her to provide effective, value-driven solutions to farmers, veterinary professionals, and agricultural organizations.

Her professional background includes promoting the responsible use of veterinary medicines across multiple species, including cattle (dairy and beef), poultry, small ruminants, game animals, and aquaculture. While working at Nemchem Agri, Dr. Mutale played a key role in strengthening client relationships, supporting product uptake through technical training, and representing the company at agricultural shows and industry events. Her expertise includes veterinary pharmacology, biosecurity protocols, disease prevention, regulatory compliance, and field-based animal health support.

Currently serving as a Poultry Management Veterinarian at C4 Zambia, Dr. Mutale works closely with farmers to address day-to-day production challenges, improve disease control programs, and enhance overall farm productivity. She is committed to promoting sustainable livestock production and the safe, effective use of veterinary medicines, while delivering practical solutions that improve animal health and farm profitability.

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Joyce Njogu is a multiskilled seasoned Strategy, Business Development and Sustainability expert with over 20 years wide experience driving inclusive industrial growth and business transformation in Eastern Africa. She is also highly skilled in Corporate Governance, Strategic Marketing, Sales and Communication. Joyce blends insight, innovation, and integrity to deliver transformative results and turns challenges into strategic opportunities.

As Head of Consulting, Business Development and Sustainability at Kenya Association of Manufacturers, she leads critical pillars including Trade and Investment Promotion, Export Market Development, Green Growth and Circular Economy, championing ESG and SDG principles, Skills development and Youth employment opportunities, SME Development and Policy advocacy.

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Mirriam Sulavye Mutambo, popularly known as Mimi the Farmer — CEO of Mimi Seedlings.

Mirriam is a dynamic young agripreneur from Lusaka who transformed her passion for farming into a thriving seedling production business. With a background in Horticulture and currently pursuing Agribusiness, she combines technical knowledge with entrepreneurial vision.

With over five years of experience in agriculture, Mirriam specializes in the production of assorted vegetable seedlings — supplying farmers with the foundation of successful harvests.

Because seedlings are not just small plants.

They are the future of food security, income generation, and sustainability for many families.

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Sarah Shawa Mumba is adistinguished conformity assessment professional with over 19 years ofindustrial experience spanning inspections and the management ofaccredited certification schemes. She currently serves as the CertificationManager at the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), where she plays a leadingrole in overseeing both product and system certification in alignment withinternational standards.

A specialist in qualityassurance and continuous process improvement, Ms. Mumba has been instrumentalin maintaining ZABS’s accreditations to ISO/IEC 17065 (Product Certification)and ISO/IEC 17021-1 (Management System Certification) providingstrategic and technical direction for sustaining international recognition.

Sarah holds a Master’sDegree in Business Administration (Management Strategy) and a Bachelor ofScience in Microbiology, both from the University of Zambia. Her academicfoundation is complemented by extensive professional training in leadership,change management, quality management, and productivity improvement. Beyond her professionalrole, she actively contributes to national development as a Proudly ZambianCampaign Champion, advocating for local industry and inspiring citizens toprioritize Zambian-made goods.

Ms. Mumba bringsvisionary leadership, a passion for quality, and a deep commitment to elevatingZambia’s Quality Infrastructure through standardisationand quality assurance.

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Harrison Sakala is an economist and has 25 years experiencein the Zambian Agri business sector working with small and emergent farmers.His experience spans from crop production, crop protection and yield estimatesfor specific crops like cotton, maize, Soya, groundnuts and sunflower to sales,credit management and extension services.

17 of his 25 years experience was spent in the cotton industryworking with Dunavant and later NWK Agri Services where he held differentmanagerial positions and was very instrumental in spear heading good productionpractices to enhance cotton production and crop diversification. His sales andcredit management were remarkable. He was also a pioneer in the company’seffort to mechanise the small scale and emergent cotton farmers.

The rest of the time has been spent in the finance sectorworking with AgLeaseCo in the agricultural space with small and emergentfarmers and Agro processors. He was instrumental in setting company standardoperating procedures (SOPs) and building relationships with traditionalleaders. He continues to lead the sales team.

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Twapegwa M. Kapeyo – CEO, Help Twenty-Four Seven Farm & Kay Farm

Twapegwa M. Kapeyo is the CEO of Help Twenty-Four Seven Farm and Kay Farm and an emerging leader in African agriculture. Recognized as the Upcoming Farmer of the Year at the Agricoop Awards 2024, Twapegwa combines his farming heritage with expertise as a trained Computer Technician and Shipping & Logistics professional to drive innovation and efficiency in his agribusiness ventures.

A former MultiChoice Zambia Brand Ambassador, he is passionate about leveraging technology, innovation, and community engagement to promote sustainable agriculture. Beyond his farms, Twapegwa actively mentors young agripreneurs and champions youth-led solutions in agribusiness, helping to shape the next generation of African farmers.

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Happy Mulobeka – Founder & Managing Director, Hapitec Investments Ltd

Happy Mulobeka is a visionary Zambian entrepreneur and the Founder and Managing Director of Hapitec Investments Ltd, a multi-award-winning agribusiness operating across piggery, poultry, fish farming, and meat processing. With a strong foundation in business administration and extensive hands-on experience, Happy has grown his company into a model of innovation, efficiency, and youth-led impact in African agriculture.

He is passionate about empowering young agripreneurs and driving innovation across the agricultural value chain. Happy has been recognized for his excellence and leadership with multiple awards, including Pig Farmer of the Year (CAMINEX, 2024), Pig Farmer of the Year (Agricoop Awards, 2025), Best Commercial Farm (CAMINEX, 2025), and Animal Welfare Champion (Agricoop, 2025).

As a certified Trainer of Trainers under the LATTICE-led WYEEFIMA project, Happy mentors youth to excel in fisheries and agribusiness, demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and practical action, young leaders can transform Africa’s agricultural landscape.

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Fenny Mweene Mundia – Qualified Nurse & Award-Winning Poultry Farmer

Fenny Mweene Mundia is a qualified nurse, trained at Kafue College of Nursing and Midwifery, and an award-winning poultry farmer with over four years of hands-on experience.

She was honored as Poultry Farmer of the Year 2025 at the Agricoop Awards, recognizing her excellence and dedication in poultry production. Fenny is passionate about empowering communities through health education and sustainable poultry farming, showing that with knowledge, resilience, and consistency, small beginnings can grow into impactful livelihoods.

Fenny believes in progress through dedication and practical action, inspiring others to turn their passion into lasting impact.

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Nellie Wanda Chinyakula is the Founder and CEO of Fanellie Investment and Consultancy Limited, a pioneering enterprise delivering sustainable solutions in livestock farming, consultancy, culinary services, and smoked food supply.

Through the Fanellie Livestock Sanctuary, Nellie drives innovation, ethical farming practices, and community impact, setting new standards in sustainability and excellence. Her work is redefining value creation across industries while inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Nellie was honored as Livestock Farmer of the Year at the Agricoop Awards 2025.

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Lisa Sendwe – Agriculturist & Award-Winning Farmer

Lisa Sendwe is an accomplished agriculturist with 20 years of experience in the agricultural sector. She spent 14 years with an NGO, where she trained farmers in climate-smart technologies and managed an agroforestry farm.

Today, Lisa continues to train farmers in vegetable production, fruit farming, and general agriculture, while running her own full-time mixed farm with a strong focus on fruit farming.

Her outstanding contributions to agriculture have been recognized with the Agricoop Awards 2025, where she was honored as Farmer of the Year and Fruit Farmer of the Year.

Lisa’s work reflects her dedication to empowering farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and advancing women’s leadership in agribusiness.

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We are proud to feature Annette Takomborerwa Mutetwa,
Agronomist | Agricultural Media Personality | Marketing & Operations Leader,
as a panel speaker on “The Role of Input Suppliers” at the Farmers Choice Awards Summit.
Annette is a nominee for Agronomist of the Year and a dynamic voice in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Agriculture Crop Science and has built her career at the intersection of agronomy, marketing, and agricultural communication.

With extensive experience working alongside seed houses, agrochemical companies, distributors, and farmers across Southern Africa, Annette is passionate about bridging the gap between innovation and the farmer. Through her national television platform and digital media presence, she educates, connects, and amplifies agricultural businesses while championing sustainable production and market-driven farming.

Beyond her corporate roles, she mentors young farmers and advocates for strategic collaboration between input suppliers and producers to strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chain.

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Mr. Mtaziwa Kumwenda is a seasoned agribusiness professional with over 25years experience. His career spans across various sectors including academia/research, education, government, NGO and agribusiness. He is currently the Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors at ATS AGROCHEMICALS. He holds a BSc Agricultural Economics from UNZA, AVCASA (Crop Protection Professional) and MBA.

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He is a seasoned financial executive with over 27 years of banking experience across South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia. He is recognized for driving commercial growth, strengthening organizational performance, and navigating diverse regional markets with strategic insight.

He has held several senior leadership roles, including General Manager in South Africa, Corporate Banking Director in Tanzania, and Chief Operating Officer and Business Banking Director in Botswana, consistently advancing commercial strategy, enhancing the corporate value proposition, and supporting the onboarding of key clients across SMMEs and corporate segments.

Andre’s expertise spans relationship banking, credit, deal structuring, and strategy execution. He also served as Group Head of Corporate and Agriculture for FMBCH, where he guided regional growth initiatives leveraging deep sector knowledge.

He holds a Master’s in Financial Management, an Honours in Business Management, and a Degree in Agricultural Economics, all of which underpin his strong leadership impact.

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Mrs. Angela Sitali-Nguluwe, a qualified lawyer, currently serves as the Manager – Business Registrations at PACRA (Patents and Companies Registration Agency).

Her impressive professional journey is marked by a multidisciplinary evolution, as she successfully transitioned from teaching to accounting before settling into her current role in the legal and regulatory field. This diverse experience has equipped her with a wide array of qualifications across education, accounting, risk and compliance management, and law.

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Mary Mumba is a certified expert in financial inclusion and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme. Award winner of the 2023 distinguished Business leadership Excellence award by the African Leadership Magazine.

Prior to joining ZCGS Mary worked for Zambia National Commercial Bank and National Savings and Credit Bank where she gained extensive experience in banking. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Development studies from University of Zambia. She has also obtained scholarships for her master's degree: A Master of Science degree in Microfinance from University of Bergamo in Italy, and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Business school Netherlands.

Mary is an alumni of Harvard Business school having received training in Strategic leadership in financial Inclusion. She has also received training from Coady Institute of Canada in Community based Microfinance for Financial Inclusion.

Additionally, she holds certificates in Credit Management and Compliance Management from Institute of Credit Management and University of Cape Town in south Africa, respectively. She was awarded the Foundation J. Noel scholarship to under take Certificate in Law and Regulation of Inclusive Finance at Luxembourg university.

Mary is a diploma holder in Banking and Finance from Zambia Institute of Bankers.

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—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 Head - East & Southern AfricaBusiness Area

Area of Expertise

Given has 20+years in Agribusiness management across Sub-Saharan Africa. Expert in strategy, advocacy & Policy, and stakeholder management. Passionate about sustainable agriculture, farmers and team development, customer focus, and performance improvement. Champions change and inclusive leadership, prioritizing safe work environments. Experienced in corporate communications, both internal and external.

Currently he’s the Regional General Manager at Syngenta, responsible for financial and operational performance. Drives long-term strategy for profitable growth and industry leadership.

Under his leadership, Syngenta has expanded access to advanced crop protection and seed treatment solutions, including FORTENZA® Duo and MIRAVIS® Duo, alongside the launch of breakthrough innovations shaping the region’s next chapter in farm performance: Laudento®, a breakthrough insecticide supporting stronger pest management outcomes; Victrato® and Vaniva®,new-generation nematicide solutions helping farmers protect yield potential from below-ground threats; and Vixeran®, a biological innovation enabling more sustainable farming approaches and supporting long-term soil health. He has also championed Cropwise Grower, empowering farmers with free, practical agronomy advice and smarter decision-making—a new frontier in digital agriculture that strengthens farm profitability, efficiency, and on-farm stewardship.

Holds key board positions in Agricultural sector, including CropLife Zambia (Chair), CropLife Kenya, Africa Seed Trade Association, and former President of Zambia Seed Industry Association.

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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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