Experience

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  National Foods Limited Zimbabwe

  • Zimbabwe

  • Executive

    • Aug 2021 - Present
    • Zimbabwe

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  Universal Leaf Tobacco Company

  • Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi

  • Business Agronomy

    • Nov 2018 - Jul 2021
    • Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi

    Provide sustainable, profitable alternative income streams to smallholder tobacco farmers in MalawiPromote alternative export crops into the region and beyondDrive and assist in the aims to diversify tobacco-dependent economies, ensuring that smallholder farmers impacted by the declining demand for tobacco are supported to find sustainable alternative livelihoodsConduct and analyse research in the form of small holder simulated agronomical trials and demonstration plots Manage a large team of field crop technicians and extension personnel covering national input distribution, logistics and loan recoveriesOversee all Philip Morris projects in Malawi

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  AFRIAG LIMITED

  • SADC

  • Regional Manager Africa

    • Jan 2017 - Nov 2018
    • SADC

    Deliver our comprehensive service which includes programmes volumes, technical and quality control from source to end client, full logistics support and expert knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa as well as world markets. Secure long-term production and supply programmes with growers in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia for EU/UK/Middle East export markets. Oversee all administration relating to order processes, invoicing, export documentation, international payments and daily monitoring of currency fluctuations. Coordinating, planning and booking of airfreight, road freight and sea freight (daily). Ensure all technical/phyto requirements are met and accreditations are valid at all times. Liaise with buyers, distributors and logistical providers (relationship management).Compilation of long-term business plans to secure funding, establish JVs and provide proof of concept for both green field and brown field projects.

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  Lonrho

  • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

  • Regional Senior Key Accounts Manager

    • Aug 2014 - Dec 2016
    • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    Manage the retail division for key accounts of Lonrho Fresh in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Customers included Tesco’s, ASDA, Marks and Spencers, Spar, Shoprite Africa and Pick N Pay.Expand Lonrho’s agribusiness and brand presence in the SADC region (farming operations and logistics) providing route to market and access to market for producers. Coordinate growers’ programs, provide returns and international marketing/access to market for their produce. Provide accurate and transparent returns to growers for all sales.Ensure sound logistical solutions are in place to provide efficient route to market by air, road and sea. Import and export regulations (phytosanitary protocols and post-harvest treatments) must be up to date and communicated to all stakeholders. Daily communication between production teams and retail clients to ensure required service delivery levels are met (relationship management).Submission of sales plans, financial forecasts, budgets and targets and reporting and analyzing any deviations. Preparation and delivery of presentations to stakeholders.

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  Fruits d'Or (Maurice) Ltee

  • Fruits d'Or (Maurice) Ltee

  • General Manager

    • Jan 2010 - Jul 2014
    • Fruits d'Or (Maurice) Ltee

    www.fruitsdor.comTo develop Fruits d’Or (Maurice) Ltee brand in SADC region (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia)Manage all import and exports for the group and company affiliates; draw up import/export processes manuals to implement this and circulate to group staff. Manage client relationships and supply contracts in SADC region and register these contracts with respective Reserve Banks in all countries to ensure compliance with foreign currency and statutory regulations. Provide, implement and manage complete logistical solutions including cold chain management and seasonal planning for cross border perishable trade. Implement all processes on farms in Mozambique and Zimbabwe (as source of supply) to satisfy Global GAP’s requirements (required by Freshmark South Africa) in order to supply South African supermarkets.Closely monitor all scientific research being done on Bactrocera Invadens (fruit fly) and liaise with University of Pretoria, University of Maputo and entomologists for developments in this area. Submit business plans to financial institutions for funding for business expansion.

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  Agriza Messinza Agricola Lda, Mozambique

  • Mozambique

  • Marketing and Exports

    • Jan 2007 - Dec 2009
    • Mozambique

    Manage and forecast the weekly and monthly budgets of volumes and sales of produce.Compile business plans for applications for finance to banks and private lending institutions.Understanding of Mozambican customs systems, taxes and laws to ensure that the company is compliant at all timesSecure markets for Mozambican produce in SADC countries.Preparing all documentation for exports of produce and logistics and transport coordination.Applying all scientific agricultural knowledge to the long-term planning and the day to day running of the farm. Liaising with University of Maputo on fruit fly (Bactrocera Invadens) issues which had a direct impact on trade to other African countries. Meeting with relevant entomologists and implementing widespread plans to combat the effects of the Bactrocera Invadens fruit fly.

• 

  Ardingly Farms, Zimbabwe

  • Zimbabwe

  • General Manager

    • May 2002 - Dec 2006
    • Zimbabwe

    Finance – acquiring, utilising and controlling funds. Preparation of all business plans, budgets and forecasts, and compilation of loan applications. Meeting with investors and drawing up contracts and agreements. Preparation of audits for European auditorsPersonnel – recruiting, motivating, training and developing employees. Handling of all labour and union-related issues (200 employees). Conducting safety and hygiene workshops, AIDS awareness campaigns. Overseeing the daily operations of the farm orphanage and clinic. Handling of legal affairs, court attendances and Government liaison regarding land claims.Procurement for all inputs, ranging from fertiliser, fuel, protective clothing, machinery, vehicles and building materials.Preparation for EUREPGAP inspectionsMarketing – our clients included Mitchell and Mitchell (Zimbabwe) and Kondozi (Zimbabwe) who supplied Sainsbury’s (UK) Tesco’s (UK) with our produce. Regionally our clients included Woolworths Food (South Africa), Interfresh (Zimbabwe).Our production included bananas, litchis, baby corn, sweet corn, chilies, peppers and tobacco.