Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 26 years of experience in macroeconomics and public finance, the expert is proficient in project management, financial sector development, and policy analysis. Career highlights include leading strategic initiatives as Executive Director at CFS Microbank and CEO at SMEDCO, where they successfully raised US$10 million. Their international project experience encompasses contributions to SME development and women's economic empowerment. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, resource mobilization, and compliance management. The expert has provided technical advisory in various regional and national projects, demonstrating strong stakeholder management and partnership development skills.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with OPEC as Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Poverty Alleviation Fund from 2017 to 2019. This role involved managing a national-scale initiative funded by OPEC, focusing on poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe. Additionally, the expert served as a grants committee member for SNV Zimbabwe, contributing to capacity building and market linkages interventions for agricultural value-chains. The work was primarily conducted in Zimbabwe, emphasizing financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in key sectors such as banking, financial inclusion, SME development, and public finance, the expert has held leadership roles including Executive Director and CEO. Responsibilities have included managing strategic planning, resource mobilization, and compliance. Their interdisciplinary expertise integrates financial sector development with enterprise growth and policy analysis. The geographic scope of work includes Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana, addressing regional development issues and economic empowerment. Cross-cutting knowledge spans digital literacy and financial education within economic empowerment initiatives. Extensive geographic experience in Southern Africa has led to a deep familiarity with regional development issues, particularly in macroeconomics and public finance. The expert's involvement in South Africa and Botswana further highlights their regional expertise, particularly in financial sector development and economic empowerment projects.

Languages and education

Previously held roles have utilized the expert's language competencies, with native proficiency in Shona and advanced English skills, including listening, reading, spoken interaction, and production at a C2 level. Working knowledge of Ndebele is also part of their skill set, with varying proficiency levels in comprehension and communication. These language skills have been effectively used in professional contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams. Background includes a Master's Degree in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a Banking Degree from the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe. The expert has completed various certifications, such as Gender Changemakers from the Digital Frontiers Institute & University of Pretoria in South Africa, Value-Chain Financing from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, Private Sector Development from the Swedish Institute of Public Administrators, and Rural & Agriculture Finance from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.