KENNETH K. MBEWE
Country Manager
Lusaka
Summary
Accomplished CEO and Operations Executive with over a decade of experience in the fintech industry, specializing in commercial operations and strategic execution. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, sales, business development, and operations management. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, market expansion, and operational efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa's fintech sector through innovative collaborations with forward-thinking organizations. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Recognized for exceptional problem-solving skills, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Country Manager - Zambia
Mukuru Money Transfers Limited Zambia
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
1 2021 - Current
- Managing budgets, financial planning, and forecasting to optimize profitability for country operations.
- Established strong relationships with key industry players for business growth and expansion.
- Grew revenue by over 120%, transaction volumes by 50%, and transaction values by 100%
- Built network of 12 branches, scaling market presence by over 300%
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations and drive business objectives.
- Built high-performing sales team through targeted recruitment, training, and performance management initiatives.
- Increased market share by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Implemented process improvements, streamlining workflows and increasing team productivity.
Head of Operations
Mukuru Money Transfers Limited Malawi
Lilongwe, Malawi
05.2020 - 12.2020
- Reduced operational costs through effective budget management and cost-saving strategies.
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
- Managed Profit and Loss for Mukuru Green Business unit
- Led change management project for over 70 employees and 1,000 agents to align with new business strategies.
- Implemented risk assessment procedures to minimize potential disruptions across all areas of operation.
- Streamlined operational processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing best practices.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies, mitigating potential risks.
- Automated manual processes using technology solutions, increasing accuracy and efficiency within operations.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement projects, resulting in enhanced business performance.
Managing Director
Zoona Transactions Limited Malawi
Lilongwe, Malawi
06.2019 - 04.2020
- Directed business development, client services, and operations, generating $1.4k yearly revenue
- Steered business to successful asset purchase agreement
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Cultivated strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
- Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across organization's operations.
- Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
- Expanded market presence through successful negotiation of key partnerships and acquisitions.
Head of Operations
Zoona Transactions Limited Malawi
Blantyre, Malawi
04.2018 - 05.2019
- Developed and executed a rural expansion plan, onboarding 100 new retail agents
- Led strategy execution in Zambia (Chipata)
- Managed over 12 employees and annual budgets
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Achieved budgeted business performance in revenue, expenses, and cash flow.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Operations Manager
Zoona Transactions Limited
Blantyre, Malawi
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Achieved 15% monthly revenue growth through process improvement processes.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfil business requirements.
- Designed and set up new company offices across the Country.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Managed regional leads and set objectives
- Developed operational plans to achieve targeted growth.
Brand & Services Managers
Zoona Transactions Limited
Blantyre, Malawi
01.2015 - 08.2017
- Grew market presence to over 250 outlets in 24 months
- Earned TOP Performer awards for four consecutive quarters
- Established strategic partnerships and extended network reach
- Championed data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics tools to generate actionable insights from available performance metrics.
- Assisted in talent acquisition efforts for service department, identifying top candidates with relevant skills and experience needed to support organizational growth initiatives.
- Played crucial role in company's expansion efforts by identifying potential markets for new services offerings based on industry trends and competitor analysis.
- Acted as liaison between clients and internal teams during project execution phases guaranteeing clear communication lines were open throughout entire project lifecycles.
- Onboarded and trained over 500 agents and tellers.
Sales & Marketing Analyst
Universal Industries Limited
Blantyre, Southern Region
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Developed processes to merge and analyze sales data
- Created corporate website and social media presence
- Identified and resolved problems through root cause analysis and research.
- Performed system analysis, documentation, testing, implementation, and user support for platform transitions.
- Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Managed key customer outlets and provided regular reports.
Education
Master of Arts - International Marketing
Peoples Friendship University of Russia
Moscow, Russia 09.2010 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Peoples Friendship University of Russia
Moscow, Russia 09.2005 - 06.2010
Skills
Operations Management
Certification
Chartered Practitioner in Digital Finance – DFI
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Russian
Advanced
C1
Publications
- Mobile Money in Malawi - Reasons Behind Slow Growth, September 2014
- Mobile Money in Malawi, March 2014
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Operations
Mukuru Money Transfers Limited Malawi
05.2020 - 12.2020
Managing Director
Zoona Transactions Limited Malawi
06.2019 - 04.2020
Head of Operations
Zoona Transactions Limited Malawi
04.2018 - 05.2019
Operations Manager
Zoona Transactions Limited
09.2017 - 03.2018
Brand & Services Managers
Zoona Transactions Limited
01.2015 - 08.2017
Sales & Marketing Analyst
Universal Industries Limited
01.2014 - 12.2014
Master of Arts - International Marketing
Peoples Friendship University of Russia
09.2010 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Peoples Friendship University of Russia
09.2005 - 06.2010
Country Manager - Zambia
Mukuru Money Transfers Limited Zambia
1 2021 - Current
Chartered Practitioner in Digital Finance – DFI
Mini MBA (Leadership & Personal Development) – AFA
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