Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 44 years of professional experience, the expert has dedicated 37 years to the TVET, STEM, and MSME sectors. With 24 years in craft-level TVET training and MSME management coaching, they have significantly contributed to capacity building in TVET institutions for 23 years. Responsibilities have included enhancing youth employment dialogue between the private sector and vocational institutions. With leadership roles spanning 17 years, the expert has effectively led projects and teams, contributing to advancements in education and employment across Sub-Saharan Africa through international initiatives, including 'Green' TVET/MSME projects.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, UNDP, EU, BMZ, and GIZ on development cooperation projects. Their involvement encompasses 'Green' TVET/MSME projects, focusing on capacity building and technical assistance. These projects have been executed at the donor/funder level across Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing thematic areas related to education, employment, and sustainable development. Career highlights include contributing to regional impacts that enhance vocational training and youth employment initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in rural development, education, labor market and employment, training, institutional development and capacity building, SME and private sector, and program and resource management, the expert has held roles involving leadership, capacity building, and project management, especially within TVET and MSME sectors. Their interdisciplinary expertise involves promoting youth employment and integrating sustainability into vocational training. The expert has worked primarily within Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to both local and regional development initiatives through strategic collaboration with public and private stakeholders. Their extensive professional experience spans countries such as Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, providing them with deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues.

Languages and education

The expert is proficient in English, Italian, Spanish, and Zulu, utilizing these language skills in diverse professional contexts, including in-country work across numerous Sub-Saharan African nations and collaboration within multilingual teams. This linguistic competence supports effective communication and collaboration in international development projects. The expert holds an Advanced Studies degree in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from Harvard University, USA, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rural Development with a focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training from Bircham International University, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science with an emphasis on Environmental TVET from Trinity University. Additionally, they have obtained advanced diplomas in Livestock Science and Production Science (Agroecology), as well as a diploma in Agricultural Technology from Lyceum College.