Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

ALEXANDRE ARIFONZO VALETA

Lusaka

Summary

Tourism & Hospitality | Business & Agribusiness Development |Team Leader |Food Safety | Dairy Development KEY STRENGTHS AND OTHER CAPABILITIES Critical thinker Proven leadership qualities Strong grounding in value chain analysis. Solid agribusiness development background Trade and economic analysis skills. Well-grounded in sustainable diets and nutrition Computer literate, conversant in word processing, spreadsheets, and other business analytical applications (COMFAR, Business Plan) Well-developed and proven analytical and communication skills Proven ability to plan and achieve objectives Working knowledge of Portuguese, Fair in oral and written French, Fluent in oral and written Swahili, Fluent in local languages (Tonga, Bemba, and Nyanja). With DPB, worked on factory process controls, factory efficiencies, development of a small-scale farmers’ milk collection system in Lusaka West, and product development. Provided on-farm livestock management for DPB suppliers. With Sapphire Hospitality Management Limited and Crystal Hospitality Services Limited, Alex managed hospitality establishments starting with a 42-bed lodge in Solwezi and currently managing a restaurant and conference facility in Longacres, Lusaka. Team Leader experienced in directing activities of workgroups. Develops strategies, provides training, sets goals and obtains team feedback. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Big picture focus with excellence in communicating goals and vision to succeed. Problem solver, networker and consensus builder. Multi-tasking Team Leader well-known for executing successful, new [Type] initiatives. Creates dynamic and positive workplace culture to align with organizational mission and values. Trains new hires and mentors struggling workers to achieve overall team success. Reliable business professional with experience in project management, process improvement and financial analysis. Proven track record of successfully streamlining business operations and reducing costs. Adept at analyzing data to identify trends and developing strategies to improve efficiency. Forward-thinking Operations Specialist bringing [Number] years of expertise in [Area of expertise] for [Industry] sector businesses. Cultivates rapport with individuals to optimize project goals and output, resolve complex problems and deliver innovative improvement strategies. Proficient in [Software] and [Software]. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

2024
2024
years of professional experience

Work History

team leader

USAID, Zambia Dairy, O’ Lakes Inc
10.2007
  • Undertook the Bellmon Analysis for the monetisation of Food Aid under the US Government Food for Peace
  • Programme
  • The monetisation consortium comprised Land O’Lakes, Catholic Relief Services, CARE – Zambia, and World Vision
  • Zambia
  • The Bellmon Analysis examined the agricultural value chain in terms of disincentives to the local crops and commodities
  • In this case, the analysis looked at the wheat and edible oils value chains.
  • Establishment of Soya Processing Enterprise – Zambia: Nov 2006
  • Contracted by a Kenyan company to undertake a market study of Zambia’s soya growing and processing enterprises
  • The client intended to establish a fully integrated soya growing and manufacturing enterprise in Zambia
  • The study also examined the environmental impact of the proposed processing plant.

Technical Writer

USAID, Zambia Dairy Development, O’Lakes Inc
01.2005
  • To assist Land O’Lakes prepare their technical report for the fiscal year

Ministry of Commerce
07.2004
  • Carried out a market survey for Namibian exports to Zambia
  • The survey examined the competing local products and also examined the potential Zambian products that could be exported to Namibia
  • The Ministry used the Market Survey Report to inform its decision to place a Trade Attaché at its Lusaka Embassy
  • RAPID Project: Chemonics Inc: Inventory Of Food Safety Laws, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations:

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
04.2002
  • Presented keynote papers on the findings of the PSDP study on the subcontracting linkages at three seminars held in
  • Lusaka and the Copperbelt
  • The presentations dwelt on the problems that SMEs face in the Zambian economy
  • Presented a paper on the findings of a mini-survey on the private sector’s perception of the cooperation with the
  • Government with regard to preparation for Multi-Lateral and Regional Trade Negotiations (MRTN) at the Lilayi Lodge (3rd – 4th, )
  • Presented a paper on the findings of the Zambia Dairy Sector Policy Study at a National Dairy Consultative Meeting held at Pamodzi

01.2001
  • Led a team of experts who carried out an inventory of Food Laws and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Regulations on behalf of the Regional Activity for the Promotion of Integration Dialogue (RAPID) – Botswana
  • The inventory involved putting together all statutes and regulations that control the importation or export of animals and animal products (AAPs), plants, and plant materials and comparing them with the international standards from the World Health Organization (WHO), CODEX
  • Alimentarius, OIE, and IPPC
  • The inventory was used to determine deficiencies in the Food/SPS Laws with the aim of harmonisation of Food/ SPS Laws in SADC
  • USAID - Technoserve/ ARD: Competitiveness Study of Agribusinesses in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia:, As deputy team leader worked as part of the consulting team that conducted a study on the competitiveness of agribusinesses in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia
  • The study involved assessing the competitive and comparative advantages of selected agribusiness in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia in several agricultural value chains
  • Expansion and Market Feasibility Study for a Cheese Factory: 2000
  • Conducted a feasibility study on behalf of the Zambia Venture Capital Fund
  • The feasibility study included, an assessment of the technical feasibility of the expansion program, a market survey, and asset valuation
  • Upon completion of the study drafted a detailed Business Plan to source financing of over USD500,000
  • The feasibility study also assessed the effluent and waste disposal systems in place as part of the environmental scan
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries: Training Workshops for Contagious Bovine Pleuro-pneumonia
  • Contracted as consultant for the training workshops for Contagious Bovine Pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) in Northern and North
  • Western Provinces
  • The workshops were meant to publicize the dangers of CBPP in the border areas
  • The project was carried out under the Management of the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Fisheries - Department of Research and Specialist Services
  • Audit, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Commodity Aid Fertiliser:

team leader

Ministry of Finance
01.1999
  • As team leader of the IMCS Team under the, contract, conducted an audit, monitoring, and evaluation of the sale by auction of 22,986.4 metric tons of Urea fertiliser provided by the Japanese Government through the Japan
  • International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
  • The assignment involved audits of auction results and end-use analysis to ensure that the fertiliser reached the intended beneficiaries under the poverty alleviation program
  • Evaluation of Applicants for Japanese Non – Project Grant – Counter Value Funds (Small Scale Private Sector Development
  • Facility, evaluated applications for the Japanese Non-Project Grant
  • This entailed compiling a list of all the applicants, short-listing applicants who met the criteria for the grants, and finally conducting viability analyses of the proposed projects
  • A total of 1,200 applications were screened resulting in under 300 being adjudged to be viable candidates for the grants.
  • Technical Feasibility and Market Study for the Establishment of a Commercial Cattle Ranch at “Rancho Grande” in
  • Chisamba: 1998
  • Conducted the technical feasibility, viability assessment, and market study of Rancho Grande in Chisamba
  • The study also sought to determine Rancho Grande’s positioning in the meat value chain
  • Feasibility Study to Establish a Smallholder Dairy Development Project in Southern Province for Finta Danish Dairies
  • Limited:

Team Leader

01.1998
  • Developed a smallholder dairy development project for Finta Danish Dairies (FDD), one of the major UHT milk producers in
  • Zambia at the time
  • A feasibility study was carried out in Southern Province to assess the economic viability of establishing a
  • Milk Collection System from Monze, Choma, Kalomo/Zimba, Kazungula, and Livingstone
  • The project document incorporated a viability assessment, evaluation plan, financing plan, and an implementation program
  • Arising from the same, several dairy development partners and initiatives established milk collection centres in these areas
  • Evaluation of the EU – Agricultural Marketing Revolving Fund:, on the evaluation of the Agricultural Marketing Revolving Fund (AMREF)
  • The fund was active in Central and
  • Copperbelt Provinces
  • The evaluation involved establishing the status of the fund and recommending ways and means of enhancing credit recovery as well as improving the services offered to the farmers in the project area.

Coopers and Lybrand
12.1997
  • (C&L) Associates Limited (Now Grant Thornton) to be part of the two-man team that carried out a market assessment study of milk and milk products to be produced by Kafubu Dairy (Agro Supplies Limited) in
  • Ndola
  • The market survey covered Copperbelt Province and the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • The (SAEDF) Southern African
  • Enterprise Development Fund accepted the market survey report for further development.

Italian, Zambia’s Mining
10.2023 - 01.2024
  • Contracted by the Italian Trade Agency to undertake a market survey on Zambia’s mining and jewellery sector with the objective of providing context and information on the Zambian mining and jewellery landscape
  • This research fed into the broader objective of potential Italian investment into the Zambian mining and jewellery sector.

DAI: USAID
05.2020 - 12.2021
  • Under a contract with the USAID - Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub (SATIH), developed the Zambia Agricultural
  • Information System (ZAIS) Strategy leading to the establishment of a grain and oilseed information platform along the lines of the South Africa Grain Information System (SAGIS)
  • The platform would enable the grain and oilseed sector trade in a transparent manner and more importantly, ensure the safety of the grain and oilseed on the Zambian commercial market.

Insurers Association of Zambia, Strategic
11.2020 - 02.2021
  • Facilitated the Insurers Association of Zambia (IAZ) Strategy Realignment Activities that included a Workshop that culminated in the 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan

Insurers Association of Zambia, IAZ Strategic
11.2020 - 02.2021
  • Facilitated the Insurers Association of Zambia (IAZ) Strategy Realignment Activities that included a Workshop that culminated in the 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan

Independent Consultant

DAI: USAID, Rural, Development Alternatives Inc
11.2019 - 01.2020
  • On a preparatory activity for the response to the
  • RFP for the anticipated USAID-funded Rural Agricultural Enterprise Development Activity in Zambia
  • The opportunity was anticipated to work with public and private sector stakeholders in rural finance, and agricultural entrepreneurship as well as leveraging current and future donor programming to improve access to finance.

Operationalising Practical Dairy Learning Farms
03.2019 - 07.2019
  • Contracted by SNV to implement the establishment and operationalization of three Practical Dairy Learning Farms (PDLF) in
  • Magoye, Namwala, and Zimba
  • The dairy cooperatives in the three areas were given technical assistance in preparing for the launch of the PDLFs looking at the administrative arrangements, business model development, and training of Trainers (TOTs) and smallholder dairy farmers
  • The dairy farmers were also introduced to food safety and production systems for upstream value addition to milk and milk products

Norwegian Church Aid
08.2015 - 01.2019
  • End of Project Evaluation: EU - Canvassing Contours and Ridges Project: Aug, Led a team of consultants that undertook the End of Project Evaluation of the EU-supported anti-Gender- Based Violence
  • Project “Canvassing Contours and Ridges: EU WLSA END EVALUATION: Towards Gender Justice in Eastern and Western
  • Provinces of Zambia
  • The Evaluation looked at the Project achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in Petauke
  • Lusangazi, Sesheke, and Mwandi districts
  • SNV Zambia, Led a team that undertook an analysis of the food system nutritional status of the local community in Luangwa, Rufunsa
  • Lusaka, and Kitwe using the value chain approach
  • The study examined the consumption dynamics of the urban and rural poor to bring new insights into the current global food debate framed on population forecasts and the related production narrative
  • This was done through a consumer survey, interviews, and focus group discussions with the urban and rural food vendors and the different consumer segments.

DAZ and Ministry of Livestock
12.2015 - 01.2016
  • Conducted a study to assess the need to establish and operationalise the Zambia Dairy Board
  • The assessment aimed to obtain views and perspectives from all the major stakeholders on what they felt the Dairy Board should operate like
  • It entailed meeting stakeholders in Zambia and regional stakeholders in Kenya and Uganda
  • SNV/ AgriProFocus/ Agriterra/ DAZ: Artificial Insemination Business Model Assessment

Rural Economic Expansion Services Limited
11.2015 - 12.2015

Director

Sapphire Hospitality Management Limited
1 1 - 11.2015
  • Assessed the various AI business models applied in Zambia and other countries and recommended suitable and viable models for DAZ members and other private AI service providers
  • The study covered 10 districts in Zambia.

HIVOS, Sustainable, Study
09.2015 - 10.2015
  • Led a team of researchers who conducted the situation analysis for the Food Systems and Nutritional Status of local communities in rural and urban Zambia
  • The analysis provided information that fed into the HIVOS Food Advocacy Programme in Zambia
  • The report highlighted the 5 most important trends and related actors (targets, allies, and CSO partners), defining the opportunities and challenges in the country regarding sustainable diets
  • The report helped form the basis for the implementation of the HIVOS Food Advocacy Program from January 2016 onwards
  • Food Advocacy – Sustainable Diets

HIVOS
11.2014 - 01.2015
  • Conducted the Champions of Change Mapping under the Sustainable Agriculture Chongwe Green Village Project
  • The Project sought to restore the productive landscapes in Chongwe District with interventions in dairy, horticulture, renewable energy, and Green Finance integration targeting 400 small-scale farmers and directly benefiting 2,000 people engaged in a variety of activities and farming systems that were informed by the principles of green production powered by productive landscapes, green energy, improved nutrition, and green finance.

Independent Technical Reviewer

IFAD
11.2013 - 11.2014
  • Enhanced Smallholder Agribusiness Promotion Programme (SAPP, Contracted by the IFAD – Smallholder Agribusiness Promotion Programme (SAPP) as an Independent Technical Reviewer to evaluate full business plans from applicants for the SAPP Matching Grant Scheme
  • Sectors reviewed varied from agriculture, processing, and value chain participants.

Director

Crystal Hospitality Services Limited
12.2013 - 01.2014

Rapid
12.2010 - 02.2011
  • Assessment of ChildFund Zambia’s Food, Contracted by TNM Investments to undertake a rapid assessment of ChildFund Zambia’s Food Security activities
  • The assignment involved assessing the status of ChildFund Zambia’s Food Security and Improving Nutrition activities as the organisation looked to engage with other major donors and NGOs involved in food security activities and position itself for
  • USAID Feed the Future activities
  • This resulted in a strategic refocus of ChildFund’s core activities
  • Expansion Programme Zambia (GEMP) Baseline Study

Director

LEAD Programme Zambia Limited
07.2010 - 12.2010
  • Conducted a baseline study and designed a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
  • This initiative sought to link smallholder farmers to the grain markets through the Zambia Agriculture Marketing Commodity Exchange (ZAMACE) and was supported by
  • USAID/COMPETE and the World Food Programme Purchase for Progress (WFP P4P)
  • CENFRI: Microinsurance Aggregator Study:

09.2009 - 07.2010
  • Led a team of agricultural and M & E experts that conducted a baseline survey of small-scale farming systems in readiness for AGRA project initiatives in Zambia
  • The study took a synoptic snapshot of the seed multiplication programme, soil health system, marketing, and market access, and policy and regulatory framework obtaining in Zambia
  • Ultimately, AGRA invested its resources in improving the smallholder participation in the staple foods value chain in Zambia
  • The study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation
  • International Labour Organisation: Study on the Effect of the Global Financial Crisis on Job Losses in the Zambian Tourism
  • Sector:

Independent Consultant

ATRADE Partners
03.2010 - 05.2010
  • Undertook a Microinsurance Aggregator Study on behalf of PMTC Zambia and the Centre Financial Regulation and Inclusion (CENFRI)
  • The study mapped the potential aggregator landscape in Zambia
  • Microinsurance was a then-new phenomenon in
  • Zambia and the insurance industry required more information on the potential aggregators to help them make an informed decision on how to introduce Microinsurance products
  • Tobacco Board of Zambia: Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a Tobacco Processing Plant in Eastern Province
  • Zambia: Feb – Mar

02.2010 - 01.2010
  • Conducted a feasibility study for the establishment of a tobacco processing plant in Eastern Province, Zambia on behalf of the Zambian Government represented by TBZ
  • As part of the feasibility study, an environmental scan was undertaken to assess the tobacco value chain and the effect of tobacco processing on the general environment of the proposed site, and more importantly, how the effluent would affect the water quality
  • The Feasibility Study culminated in a Business Plan and Financing
  • Proposal, which was submitted to Government for funding
  • USAID – PROFIT: Evaluation of the Electronic Voucher Input Distribution System:, Evaluated the Conservation Farming Unit Electronic Voucher Input Distribution System
  • The study covered Lusaka, Central and Southern Provinces and examined the efficacy and efficiency of the E-Voucher system compared to the FAO Paper Voucher
  • System
  • The government adopted the Electronic Voucher System for its Fertiliser and Input Support Programme (FISP), which targeted 1,000,000 small-scale farmers in 2021
  • SNV Zambia: Inventory of Tourism and MSME Linkages:

10.2009 - 12.2009
  • Conducted an inventory of the Tourism and MSME Linkages in four destination areas: Kasanka National Park, Mpika, Kafue
  • National Park, and Livingstone
  • This was part of the SNV Planning Process in preparation for the 2010 – 2012 Work
  • Programme
  • USAID – MATEP: Food Standards and Certification seminar
  • Contracted by USAID - MATEP to organise and facilitate a Food Standards and Certification Seminar to discuss food safety and certification as a Market Access impediment for agro-industries
  • The seminar was attended by 22 firms with 30 participants
  • Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA): Baseline Survey of Small-Scale Farming Systems in Zambia

team leader

06.2009 - 07.2009
  • Coordinated the study that looked at the effect of the Global Crisis on the Zambian Tourism Sector
  • The finding fed into the ILO tripartite dialogue.

Tourism Advisor

04.2006 - 04.2009
  • USAID Market Access Trade and Enabling Policies Project (MATEP)

team leader

TNM Investments Limited
12.2008 - 01.2009
  • Survey of Smallholder Production and Marketing Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa, , coordinated a team of consultants undertaking the survey, which covered Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia to assess smallholder farmers’ production and marketing systems and examine ways of providing linkages for the smallholder farmers to enter the commercial staple food value chain
  • Our outputs fed into preparatory activities for the USAID
  • Feed the Future Programme.

East African Grain Council
12.2007 - 01.2008
  • Study on Grain Marketing Mechanisms in Malawi and Zambia, Undertook a study of grain marketing mechanisms and value chains in Malawi and Zambia
  • The assignment was initiated by the Gates Foundation to better understand the staple foods value chains and marketing systems in East and West Africa to develop interventions that would uplift smallholder farmers who earn less than a dollar a day.

International Trade Centre
05.2006 - 08.2006

International Trade Centre
09.2005 - 03.2006
  • Undertook an Opportunity Study for the establishment of an Export-Led Poverty Reduction Programme (EPRP)
  • The
  • Opportunity study assessed the potential for export products as a means of reducing poverty and improving nutrition among vulnerable small farmer groups
  • The study specifically assessed the coffee, honey, and groundnut value chains.

USAID, Dairy Development, O’Lakes Inc, Land O’Lakes Inc
09.2005 - 03.2006
  • Zambia to take part in the Bellmon Analysis of Monetisation of Food Aid under the Food for
  • Peace Programme
  • The Bellmon Analysis examined the agricultural value chain in terms of disincentives to the local crops and commodities
  • In this case, the analysis looked at the wheat and edible oils value chains.

USAID, Zambia Dairy Development, O’Lakes Inc
09.2005 - 03.2006

Chemonics Inc
09.2005 - 03.2006
  • Conducted a market survey for milk powder in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and Angola
  • This was part of the broader feasibility assessment by Land O’ Lakes in establishing a milk drying plant in Zambia
  • USAID – Regional Agricultural Trade Expansion Programme (RATES Programme), : Zambia Maize Survey:

Rural Economic Expansion Services Limited
12.2004 - 02.2005
  • (REES) to undertake a feasibility study on the viability of establishing a meat-processing centre in Katuba Area, Chibombo District
  • USAID – Regional Agricultural Trade Expansion Programme (RATES Programme) – Chemonics Inc: Zambia Cotton Trade, Undertook follow-up work on the Zambia Cotton Trade Policy Study
  • The study’s main foci were the policies and regulations affecting trade in cotton and cotton products in light of the Multifibre Agreement
  • The study was part of a regional program to promote the trade of cotton and cotton products.

Export Board Of Zambia, Zambian Products
03.2004 - 05.2004
  • Contracted by the Export Board of Zambia (EBZ) and Zambia Trade and Investment Enhancement Programme (ZAMTIE) to undertake a market survey for Zambian products in the Angolan market
  • The study involved a survey in Angola of the existing products and potential products that Zambian companies can export to Angola.

02.2004 - 05.2004
  • Conducted a Trade Policy Study on the Zambian Dairy Sector using the value chain approach
  • The study focused on Policies and Regulations affecting trade in dairy products in the local, Food Safety situation, regional, and international markets
  • The study was part of a regional program to promote trade of dairy products
  • The study report has been widely used as the definitive reference point for the dairy sector in Zambia as there was no comprehensive study of the Zambian dairy sector produced before the RATES study.

1 1 - 05.2004
  • Presented a paper on Findings of the Effects of the Global Financial Crisis on the Tourism Sector in Zambia in August
  • Moderated the Economics Association of Zambia public discussion on “What would it take to make our beef/dairy industry more productive?” at the Pamodzi Hotel on 20 May 2010.

Independent Consultant

Chemonics Inc
12.2001 - 12.2002
  • Inventory of Food Safety Laws and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations

Chemonics International
05.2002 - 07.2002
  • Under a short–term contract with, Inc
  • Through the RAPID Project carried out commodity studies in the SADC region to illustrate the benefits that would accrue from the SADC Trade Protocol, SPS Technical Annex
  • The outputs were used in SADC Technical Committee deliberations.
  • USAID – Regional Agricultural Trade Expansion Programme (RATES Programme): Chemonics Inc: Zambia Dairy Sector Trade
  • Policy Study:

Chemonics International
02.2002 - 04.2002
  • Inc
  • Of USA through the Regional Activity for the
  • Promotion of Integration Dialogue (RAPID) – Botswana as Co–Principal
  • The assignment involved writing country reports for
  • Lesotho and Zambia in readiness for the Assessment Phase of the SPS and Food Laws in SADC
  • The end – result of the activity will be the harmonization of SPS/Food Laws in SADC and the development of a Technical Annex to the SADC Trade Protocol
  • USAID - RAPID Project: Chemonics Inc: Inventory of Food Safety Laws, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations: 2001
  • Led a team of experts who carried out an inventory of Food Laws and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Regulations on behalf of the Regional Activity for the Promotion of Integration Dialogue (RAPID) – Botswana
  • The inventory involved putting together all statutes and regulations that control the importation or export of animals and animal products (AAPs), plants, and plant materials and comparing them with the international standards from the World Health Organization (WHO), CODEX
  • Alimentarius, OIE, and IPPC
  • The inventory was used to determine deficiencies in the Food/SPS Laws with the aim of harmonisation of Food/ SPS Laws in SADC
  • USAID: RAPID Project: Chemonics Inc: Inventory of Food Safety Laws, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations: Commodity

Senior Consultant

Independent Management Consulting Services Limited
02.1998 - 11.2001

Independent Management Consulting Services Limited, IMCS
02.1998 - 11.2001

COMESA Regional

01.2000 - 01.2001
  • Researched barriers to investment in an assignment undertaken in collaboration with Booz-Allen and Hamilton Inc
  • Of USA
  • Fieldwork covered Blantyre and Lilongwe in Malawi, and the Copperbelt in Zambia, focusing on identifying the barriers to investment
  • RAPID Project: Chemonics Inc: Inventory of Food Safety Laws and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations in Zambia:

Local Dairy Consultant

Kafubu Dairy Ltd, Agro Supplies Limited
10.1997 - 01.1998
  • Set up a milk processing plant at Kafubu Dairy in Ndola’s Kafubu area
  • The plant machinery was already in place and additional funding was sought from the Southern African Enterprise
  • Development Fund (SAEDF) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
  • As part of the assignment
  • The consultant developed and formulated the marketing strategy of the firm.

Principal

VALCONSULT Limited
05.1996 - 01.1998
  • Agribusiness and dairy consulting firm

Private Dairy Consulting Firm, VALCONSULT
05.1996 - 01.1998

Dairy and Business Development Manager

Dairy Produce Board, DPB
11.1987 - 04.1996

Dairy Produce Board
01.1987 - 04.1995

Dairy and Agribusiness Development Manager

01.1994 - 04.1994
  • Duties included product development; liaising with dairy farmers on solving problems at farm level and any other problems, setting up and running the Lusaka West Pilot Milk Collection Project, and special projects connected with factory design and factory efficiencies
  • Other milk collection centres were established in Mpima and Magoye.

Farm Liaison Officer

10.1993 - 01.1994
  • Duties included liaising with farmers, a n d actively involved in the coordination of the World Bank-funded Smallholder (SDDP) activities with DPB activities
  • Spent time in Southern Province with the small-scale farmers under the SDDP providing livestock development services.

Dairy Technologist

11.1989 - 10.1993
  • Duties included supervision of ice cream production, fermented milk manufacture (yoghurt, yogi drink), butter manufacture, and milk ice-lollies manufacture and packaging.

Dairy Technologist

09.1987 - 01.1988
  • Duties included coordinating the various sections of the factory from milk reception to packaging.

Dairy Technologist

Mazabuka
01.1987 - 01.1988
  • Duties included supervision of factory processes, cheese making, butter manufacture, and liquid milk processing.

DAI: USAID
11.2005 - 1 1
  • Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub: Trade Facilitation – Angola, South Africa, USA: Jan –, 2020
  • Under a contract with USAID - Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub (SATIH), worked in Angola preparing initial contacts between the Hub and the public and private sector as a trade facilitation activity, which explored potential opportunities on how Angolan companies could export to South Africa and the US
  • The activities also explored pathways that
  • Angolan companies could attract investment from South Africa or export to the US under the AGOA programme
  • The assignment also involved a rapid assessment of the food quality and safety systems in place., Undertook a study updating the maize industry policy and trade data for Zambia
  • The outputs of the study fed into the “Maize
  • Without Borders” Agenda under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

ECR Asset Management Plc
1 1 - 1 1
  • Development of the ZEMA Environment Fund, 2023
  • Under an ECR Asset Management Plc developing protocols and regulations for the operationalisation of the Permanent
  • Environment Fund on behalf of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)
  • The assignment entailed working with a team of legal, financial, and environmental experts developing the Fund protocols and regulations and providing quality control in the deliverables.

Bhavana World Project Inc
1 1 - 1 1
  • Prospero Zambia Cross Border Trade Assessment:, 2020
  • Under contract with Bhavana World Project Inc
  • (USA), carried out the Zambia Cross Border Artisanal and Natural Products (ANP) Assessment
  • The assignment involved an assessment of the artisanal and natural resource trade involving handicrafts, honey, textiles, essential oils, articles of leather, articles of wood, articles of straw & basketware, gemstones, and jewellery
  • The assessment also involved production and export markets as well as challenges faced by the Zambian producers.

Chemonics International Inc
1 1 - 1 1
  • Of USA through the Regional Activity for the Promotion ofIntegration Dialogue (RAPID) – Botswana as Co-Principal
  • The assignment entailed writing Country Reports for Lesotho and Zambia in readiness for the Assessment Phase of the Harmonisation of SPS and Food Laws in SADC
  • The end – result of the activity was the harmonised
  • SPS/Food Laws in SADC and the development of a Technical Annex to the SADC Trade Protocol
  • Dairy King: Establishment of a Yoghurt Manufacturing Plant: 2001
  • Contracted by a local investor, Dairy King, to establish a yoghurt manufacturing plant in Lusaka
  • The assignment involved the training of the operatives, sourcing raw materials and other ingredients, and equipment
  • The plant is now one of the leading producers of yoghurt and other dairy products in Lusaka.

Education

l Associate Degree - Business Administration

University of the People

Masters in Business Administration -

MBA - Finance

Regent Business School

Diploma - Dairy Technology

Egerton University
1987

Skills

  • L Agribusiness
  • L Food Safety
  • L Sanitary and Phytosanitary Systems
  • L Business Development
  • L Financial Analysis
  • L Dairy Production
  • L Market Research and Analysis
  • L Trade Research
  • L Feasibility and Viability Assessments
  • L Baselines/ Evaluations
  • L Strategic Planning
  • 2
  • LANGUAGES SPOKEN
  • Written Spoken
  • English Proficient Proficient
  • French Good Good
  • Portuguese Fair Basic
  • Swahili Good Proficient
  • Shona Fair Proficient
  • Nyanja/ Chewa Fair Proficient
  • Bemba Fair Fair
  • Tonga Basic Good
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • People Management
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Documentation And Reporting
  • Work Planning
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Goal Setting
  • Daily workflow improvement
  • Mentoring

Accomplishments

  • Development of Administrative Manuals for District Farmers’ Associations: Dec 2018 – Feb 2019
  • Under a DAZ/ We Effect contract, developed Administrative Manuals for Monze, Petauke, and Kabwe District Farmers’
  • Associations
  • The manuals were Financial and Procurement Manuals, Human Resource Manual, Risk, and ICT Manuals
  • SNV Zambia: Development of AI Business Plans - Dec 2018
  • Assessed the delivery of Artificial Insemination services for the Monze, Choma, Namwala, and Kalomo dairy cooperatives, and then developed an AI Business Model for the aforementioned dairy cooperatives that would improve the delivery of AI services to the smallholder dairy farmers in the cooperatives
  • Dairy Association of Zambia: Review and Development of DAZ Policies and Manuals: June – July 2018
  • Reviewed and developed administrative manuals for the Dairy Association of Zambia
  • The manuals developed included
  • Financial and Procurement Manuals, Human Resource Manual, Risk, and ICT Manuals
  • TNM Investments: AFAP Tanzania Lime Scoping Study: Jan – Apr 2018
  • Contracted by TNM Investments to assist in the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) Lime Scoping Study in
  • Tanzania
  • The study assessed the effect and prevalence of acid soils in Tanzania and the use of agricultural lime to neutralise it in the croplands
  • Lusaka West School: Financial Advisor - Organisational Development: Aug – Nov 2017
  • Assisted Lusaka West School in restructuring its organisational capabilities and arranged for refinancing to enable the school to complete the construction and establishment of the primary school section.
  • K – Farms (Mali): Financial and Viability Assessment: Aug 2017
  • Engaged by Kazamazie Farms in Bamako, Mali to undertake a feasibility and viability assessment of an integrated farm enterprise comprising poultry, dairy, piggery, and mixed crop farming
  • The resulting Business Plan was used to solicit Joint
  • Venture Funding for the expansion programme
  • TNM Investments Ltd: Financial and Viability Assessment: Mar – Apr 2017
  • Developed a Business Plan and Financing Proposal for the establishment of a fertiliser blending plant in Ghana
  • The plant is the first of its kind in Ghana and was to contribute to the country’s import substitution agenda
  • Dairy Association of Zambia: Development of DFAP Concept Note: Apr 2017
  • Developed a Concept Note – Scaling Up of the Digital Farmer Aggregation Platform (DFAP)
  • DFAP is a system, which plays a supporting role for farmers and Farmer Organisations (FOs) across the entire agricultural value chain
  • It focuses on aggregating the demand of SHFs for inputs and services thereby providing a stronger bargaining position that could result in lower prices
  • The pilot was conducted in 2011 and DAZ wishes to scale up the platform
  • The Digital Farmer Aggregation Platform was funded by Swedish Embassy
  • LMPK Chartered Accountants: Development of Business Plan for the Upscaling Smallholder Irrigation Project (USIP): Dec– Jan 2017
  • Led a team of consultants who developed the “Business Development Consultancy at Nzenga Irrigation Company Limited.”
  • The project was involved in the cotton and legume value chains
  • The assignment involved undertaking a Situational Analysis and Needs Assessment for the expansion and upscaling of the Smallholder Irrigation Project in Sinazongwe District in Southern
  • Province
  • Dairy Association of Zambia: Development of DAZ Strategic Plan: Aug 2016
  • Engaged by WeEffect to assist DAZ develop its 2017 – 2021 Strategic Plan
  • The assignment entailed a review of the current DAZ
  • Strategic Plan and Operational Plan (Programme document), 2013 – 2016 and developing a DAZ Strategic and Operational Plan for the new period, 2017 – 2021
  • Dairy Association of Zambia: Dairy Sector Value Chain Analysis: Aug 2016
  • Undertookthe Dairy Sector Value Chain Analysis whose overall objective was to ascertain the then prevailing economic dynamics in the Zambian dairy subsector and establish the viability of various entities at different stages of the dairy value chain
  • The analysis also examined the livestock dynamics of the smallholder dairy farmers
  • AgriProFocus and Dutch embassy: Horticulture Business Identified Assessment: July – Aug 2016
  • Conducted the assessment to identify Zambian horticulture businesses that could benefit from Dutch investment
  • The assessment specifically filtered out potential areas of international business partners in the horticulture value chain
  • The geographical footprint was Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Southern Provinces
  • The assessment culminated in the selection of 10
  • Zambian companies that were matched with Dutch businesses during an AgriProFocus Business Event to be held in Arusha
  • Tanzania in November 2016
  • C Mwenda: Feasibility and Viability Assessment for Binderless Maize Cob Biomass Briquette Manufacturing Plant: Feb –
  • May 2016
  • Contracted by C
  • Mwenda to undertake a feasibility and viability assessment of a binderless maize cob biomass briquette manufacturing plant in Central Province, Zambia
  • AgriProFocus: Evaluation of Agribusiness Finance Fairs: Mar – Apr 2016
  • Evaluated three Business Finance Fairs held in Eastern and Southern Provinces in 2014 and 2015
  • After this pilot phase
  • AgriProFocus reviewed the model of the Finance fairs to ensure it continued to meet the needs of its membership and stakeholders
  • Heifer Project International/ Self Help Africa: Value Chain Analysis:, Under a subcontract from Acumen Consulting, undertook a market assessment and value chain analysis for goats and goat meat in Eastern Province
  • This was done in readiness for the new project that Heifer Project International and Self-Help Africa undertook in the province
  • Tobacco Board of Zambia: Viability Assessment of Establishing Tobacco Floors in Choma, Kaoma, and Chipata: May – Jun
  • Conducted the viability assessment of establishing three tobacco floors in three locations in Zambia
  • The final output was a
  • Financing Proposal that was tabled to the Government for funding
  • It culminated in the Board buying tobacco directly from the small-scale tobacco farmers in Eastern, Southern, and Western Provinces
  • This has helped streamline tobacco marketing in
  • Zambia
  • COLEACP/ EDES: Facilitation of Food Safety Conference – Lusaka – July 2012
  • Facilitated a three–day Food Safety Conference for 60 participants at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka
  • The conference developed a road map for the implementation of EDES Food Safety activities in Zambia
  • TNM Investments: Preparation of Concept Note for ChildFund Zambia on the Zambia Economic Resilience for Improved
  • Food Security Program (ZERS): Mar 2011
  • Under a TNM Investments contract, developed a Concept Paper for the Zambia Economic Resilience for Improved Food
  • Security Programme (ZERS)
  • The Concept Paper was accepted by USAID and ChildFund Zambia was requested to submit a full proposal for the same
  • Tobacco Board of Zambia: Preparation of Business Plan and Implementation System for Burley Tobacco Purchase: Aug
  • Developed an implementation system for the purchase of unsold tobacco in Eastern and Copperbelt Provinces
  • The– 2011 farming season produced a bumper crop of burley, which the merchants were unable to buy
  • In order not to disincentive, the tobacco farmers, the Government decided to buy the tobacco through TBZ
  • In preparation for the same, a
  • Business Plan and implementation system were developed for the organisation
  • This was submitted to the Government for funding and was fully financed by the Government
  • Kukula Capital Plc
  • Zambia: Market Evaluation of Processed Meat in Zambia July 2011
  • Undertook a Market Evaluation for Processed Meat in Zambia for Kukula Capital Plc, a venture capital fund that wished to invest in a meat processing business in Lusaka
  • However, before a final decision could be made, they needed to gain an in- depth understanding of the Zambian meat value chain targeting beef, poultry, pork, goat, and sheep
  • Dairy Association of Zambia: Smallholder Dairy Farmers Sector Review: Apr – Jul 2011
  • Under funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), was contracted to undertake a review of the performance of smallholder dairy farmers in Zambia and their role in the commercial dairy value chain to identify the key factors impacting on increasing their production, productivity, and incomes
  • 13 to 23 March 1990: Finance and Accounting in the Dairy Industry (conducted by TMS
  • International of Ireland).to 05 March 1999: Workshop on “Cooperation and Conflicting Organizational Cultures – The
  • Case of Zambia and Finland.” Organized by KEPA Zambia (a Finnish NGO Partnership
  • Program).to 14 December 2007: E-learning Course “Export Development & Diversification, Basic Concepts
  • Theory, and Empirical Evidence - International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Bank
  • Institute (WBI). 14 June to 15 June 2007: E-learning course “ Standards a ndTrade Course, Challengesand
  • Opportunities for African Agro–Food Trade
  • World Bank Institute.– 30 April 2020: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation – Hut to Hut Academy, Lusaka
  • Zambia
  • April 2022: Tourism and Hospitality Sustainable Coach/ Auditor Training
  • Leading to Certification as Coach and Auditor for Travelife and Fair-Trade Tourism
  • Certification Program for Zambian Tour Operators and Accommodation providers – CBI (Netherlands)
  • PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
  • Review of the Dairy Industry in Zambia – July 2004 http://www.dairyafrica.com/documents/Zambia%20Dairy%20Sector%20Study%20Final%20Report%20- %20July%2004.pdf
  • Report on the Effect of the Global Economic Crisis on Job Losses in the Tourism Sector – July 2009 http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/afpro/lusaka/download/publication/effectglobalfineco2010.pdf

Affiliations

With Zambia Agricultural Information System Limited (ZAIS), Alex was the lead in the development of an information platform that publishes statistics on grains and oilseeds for use by the private sector in making business decisions, Government to inform policy direction in agricultural trade, and the stakeholders to enable them to make business decisions and for planning purposes. ZAIS is a private sector-led initiative comprised of the Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ), Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ), and Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU). The ZAIS Board comprises the shareholders with the Government having a seat on the Board. With USAID – Market Access Trade and Enabling Policies (MATEP) Project as Tourism Advisor, Alex led the Tourism Component, which was involved in capacity building and training of tourism entrepreneurs and member-based associations in Customer Care, marketing, Financial Management, Operations in addition to Market Access Technical Assistance. Provided technical assistance in Organisational Development and Strategic Planning to the Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ), Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ), and Travel Agents Association of Zambia (TAAZ). Alex developed TCZ and HCAZ Strategic Plans, which enabled them leverage donor support for the implementation of their growth strategies. The Royal Netherlands Embassy funded the TCZ for three (3) year programme, and MATEP funded HCAZ on its training strategies where over 1,500 hospitality operatives were trained in various aspects of Customer Care, Hygiene, and Finance. Alex developed two strategic plans for Dairy Association of Zambia (DAZ), which enabled the organisation access funding from WeEffect (a Swedish Development Organisation) for its outreach activities. In addition, the strategies also leveraged support from the Royal Swedish Embassy for the Digital Information Management System (DIMS) Project. The Rural Finance Expansion Programme (RUFEP) also provided funds for the enhancement of the DIMS Project. Further, he provided livestock development assistance to DAZ member cooperatives. With ATRADE Partners, Alex carried out various assignments in Business and Financial Studies, Trade Research, Value Chain, Policy Analysis, and Sustainable Foods and Nutrition. With LEAD Programme Zambia Limited, Alex managed the HIV/ AIDS and Health Intervention Programme which was based on the BizAIDS model, which worked with small and medium enterprises to mitigate the economic impact of HIV/AIDS and other health-related emergencies and effects. The programme also sought to reduce stunting in the beneficiary households by providing nutrition information, and access to traditional foods readily available in the project’s target areas. As an Independent Consultant, Alex carried out assignments on trade, social research, business feasibility studies, agricultural value chain analysis, sustainable diets and nutrition, and market surveys. He was involved in several trade research and facilitation activities under the umbrella of Chemonics Inc. RAPID Project. With IMCS, he carried out and supported the founding partner on agro-based consultancy assignments by compiling, analysing data, as well as conducting feasibility studies as a lead consultant. He gained key skills in business development, value chain analysis, and management. In addition, he gained valuable insights into the various Value Chains in the agricultural and tourism sectors. He carried out, as Consultant, trade facilitation and regional integration activities under COMESA and SADC in the lead-up to the ascension of Zambia to these protocols. With the dairy-consulting firm VALCONSULT Limited, he carried out assignments for several dairy farms and firms. He has experience in Market Research, Dairy Development, Livestock Development, small- scale farmers’ operations, and economics through the Smallholder Dairy Development Project (SDDP) under the Dairy Produce Board (DPB) Zambia.

Timeline

Italian, Zambia’s Mining
10.2023 - 01.2024

Insurers Association of Zambia, Strategic
11.2020 - 02.2021

Insurers Association of Zambia, IAZ Strategic
11.2020 - 02.2021

DAI: USAID
05.2020 - 12.2021

Independent Consultant

DAI: USAID, Rural, Development Alternatives Inc
11.2019 - 01.2020

Operationalising Practical Dairy Learning Farms
03.2019 - 07.2019

DAZ and Ministry of Livestock
12.2015 - 01.2016

Rural Economic Expansion Services Limited
11.2015 - 12.2015

HIVOS, Sustainable, Study
09.2015 - 10.2015

Norwegian Church Aid
08.2015 - 01.2019

HIVOS
11.2014 - 01.2015

Director

Crystal Hospitality Services Limited
12.2013 - 01.2014

Independent Technical Reviewer

IFAD
11.2013 - 11.2014

Rapid
12.2010 - 02.2011

Director

LEAD Programme Zambia Limited
07.2010 - 12.2010

Independent Consultant

ATRADE Partners
03.2010 - 05.2010

02.2010 - 01.2010

10.2009 - 12.2009

09.2009 - 07.2010

team leader

06.2009 - 07.2009

team leader

TNM Investments Limited
12.2008 - 01.2009

East African Grain Council
12.2007 - 01.2008

team leader

USAID, Zambia Dairy, O’ Lakes Inc
10.2007

International Trade Centre
05.2006 - 08.2006

Tourism Advisor

04.2006 - 04.2009

DAI: USAID
11.2005 - 1 1

International Trade Centre
09.2005 - 03.2006

USAID, Dairy Development, O’Lakes Inc, Land O’Lakes Inc
09.2005 - 03.2006

USAID, Zambia Dairy Development, O’Lakes Inc
09.2005 - 03.2006

Chemonics Inc
09.2005 - 03.2006

Technical Writer

USAID, Zambia Dairy Development, O’Lakes Inc
01.2005

Rural Economic Expansion Services Limited
12.2004 - 02.2005

Ministry of Commerce
07.2004

Export Board Of Zambia, Zambian Products
03.2004 - 05.2004

02.2004 - 05.2004

Chemonics International
05.2002 - 07.2002

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
04.2002

Chemonics International
02.2002 - 04.2002

Independent Consultant

Chemonics Inc
12.2001 - 12.2002

01.2001

COMESA Regional

01.2000 - 01.2001

team leader

Ministry of Finance
01.1999

Senior Consultant

Independent Management Consulting Services Limited
02.1998 - 11.2001

Independent Management Consulting Services Limited, IMCS
02.1998 - 11.2001

Team Leader

01.1998

Coopers and Lybrand
12.1997

Local Dairy Consultant

Kafubu Dairy Ltd, Agro Supplies Limited
10.1997 - 01.1998

Principal

VALCONSULT Limited
05.1996 - 01.1998

Private Dairy Consulting Firm, VALCONSULT
05.1996 - 01.1998

Dairy and Agribusiness Development Manager

01.1994 - 04.1994

Farm Liaison Officer

10.1993 - 01.1994

Dairy Technologist

11.1989 - 10.1993

Dairy and Business Development Manager

Dairy Produce Board, DPB
11.1987 - 04.1996

Dairy Technologist

09.1987 - 01.1988

Dairy Produce Board
01.1987 - 04.1995

Dairy Technologist

Mazabuka
01.1987 - 01.1988

l Associate Degree - Business Administration

University of the People

Masters in Business Administration -

MBA - Finance

Regent Business School

Diploma - Dairy Technology

Egerton University

Director

Sapphire Hospitality Management Limited
1 1 - 11.2015

1 1 - 05.2004

ECR Asset Management Plc
1 1 - 1 1

Bhavana World Project Inc
1 1 - 1 1

Chemonics International Inc
1 1 - 1 1

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