Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 18 years of experience in business development, consulting, and entrepreneurship, the expert focuses on empowering women and youth. Key skills include strategic planning, negotiation, and project management. Career highlights include leading local and international initiatives with organizations like UNIDO and the World Bank, achieving significant milestones such as establishing microfinance solutions and incubator programs. As Managing Director/CEO of Wickburn Services, responsibilities have included expanding operations and forging key partnerships. Leadership roles involved overseeing compliance, strategic planning, and team management, demonstrating a strong ability to drive impactful results.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as UNIDO, UN Women, ILO, World Bank, AfDB, and COLEACP. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, capacity building, and evaluations in areas like governance, financial inclusion, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. Projects have been both national and sector-specific, focusing on youth and women's empowerment, microfinance, and agribusiness. Geographic locations for these donor-related works include Sierra Leone and the broader African region.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors such as labour market and employment, youth empowerment, institutional development, SME and private sector, finance and accounting, agriculture, and research. Previously held roles such as Managing Director/CEO and Lead Consultant, with responsibilities in strategic planning, project management, and capacity building. Interdisciplinary expertise includes digital marketing in agriculture and infrastructure development in rural areas. The geographic scope of work is primarily focused on Sierra Leone, with significant contributions to national and sector-specific initiatives. Extensive experience in Sierra Leone demonstrates deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues. Long-term assignments and recurring involvement in various sectors, including entrepreneurship, microfinance, and agribusiness, highlight a strong regional expertise and commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment in the country.

Languages and education

With a background in English proficiency, the expert has utilized this language in professional settings, including collaboration with international organizations and project management in Sierra Leone. Educational background includes an MSc in Marketing from the University of Wales, UK (2010-2011), and a BA Hons in Economics, Law, and Business Administration from the University of Leicester, UK (1987-1991). Additionally, a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing was obtained from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK (1994-1995), along with a Certificate in Digital Marketing from DPU India (2020-2021).