Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 26 years of experience in water resources planning, irrigation system design, and project management, the expert has led large-scale irrigation projects across multiple countries. Responsibilities have included providing technical guidance and leadership, contracts management, feasibility studies, and irrigation system evaluation. The expert has managed teams of over 30 employees and contributed to projects funded by international organizations, achieving significant outcomes such as developing irrigation schemes covering thousands of hectares. Their role has encompassed design reviews, construction supervision, and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Union, World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), African Development Bank (AfDB) and European Investment Bank. Their involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in the water and sanitation sector, specifically focusing on irrigation and infrastructure projects. These collaborations have been regional and national in scope, taking place in countries like Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Rwanda.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in the water and sanitation, and agriculture sectors, the expert has primarily focused on irrigation engineering and project management. Previously held roles such as Irrigation Engineer and Project Engineer involved responsibilities for design, construction supervision, and technical guidance on large-scale projects. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes contracts management, feasibility studies, and infrastructure development in rural settings. The expert's work spans multiple countries, including Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Angola, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda and Mozambique, contributing to regional development through sustainable agricultural practices and water management systems.

Geographically, the expert has extensive experience across Southern and Eastern Africa, with significant projects in Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Rwanda, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola and Tanzania. They have demonstrated a deep understanding of local governance and regional development issues, particularly in the water and agriculture sectors. Long-term assignments and recurring involvement in these countries have allowed them to develop region-specific expertise, particularly in irrigation and infrastructure projects.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and Shona, with excellent reading, speaking, and writing skills in both languages. They have utilized these language competences in professional settings across various countries, working in multilingual teams and international projects. Additionally, the expert has fair proficiency in Siswati, which has been applied in their work in Eswatini.

Educationally, the expert is pursuing a PhD in Irrigation at the University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. They hold an MSc in Water Resources Engineering & Management and a BSc Honours in Agriculture Soil Science from the University of Zimbabwe. Additionally, they have an International Certificate in Irrigation and Drainage for Rural Development from JICA Tsukuba International Institute in Japan.