Key skills and expertise

With 30 years of experience, the expert specializes in microfinance, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction. Leading both national and regional projects, the expert has provided technical assistance and capacity building for microfinance institutions. Responsibilities have included advising on product development for smallholders and establishing connections between microfinance institutions and investors. Career highlights include successfully implementing the STARS program in Rwanda as Country Lead and Microfinance Advisor at ICCO Cooperation. Leadership roles have consistently focused on enhancing financial systems and governance in Rwanda, Burundi, and Malawi.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the Development Bank of Rwanda and UNCDF. This involvement encompassed capacity building for microfinance institutions, developing proposals for funding, and conducting training sessions targeting managers of microfinance institutions. The expert's work primarily focused on microfinance and financial inclusion in Rwanda, with projects extending to Burundi and Malawi. These projects were national and sector-specific, emphasizing governance and financial systems development.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across sectors including microfinance, banking, agriculture, and poverty reduction, the expert has held roles such as Country Lead, Microfinance Advisor, and Operations Director. Focus areas included capacity building, product development, and linking financial institutions with investors. Cross-cutting expertise includes financial inclusion initiatives and digital money. The geographic scope spans Rwanda, Burundi, and Malawi, where national and regional projects have addressed sector-specific challenges and promoted sustainable development. The expert has extensive geographic experience in these countries, demonstrating deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics through long-term assignments.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and French, the expert effectively communicates in diverse, multilingual environments. These language skills have been integral in work across Rwanda, Burundi, and Malawi, engaging in international development projects and collaborating with local and international teams. The expert holds a Master's degree in Microfinance Institution Management from Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale in Cameroon and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from Kigali Institute of Management and Technology in Rwanda. Additionally, a post-graduate certification in digital money from Digital Frontiers Institute Campus and The Fletcher School at Tufts University is being finalized.