Ngolwe Sikazwe
Market Systems Specialist
Lusaka
Summary
A seasoned private sector development expert with over 20 years of experience in designing and delivering market-based, climate-smart, and inclusive economic development programmes. Proven success in managing multi-million dollar donor-funded projects, building ESG-compliant investment portfolios, and supporting SMEs in agribusiness, dairy, horticulture, and irrigation. Adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, engaging stakeholders, and linking businesses to finance and investment.
Experienced with developing strategic business plans and advising on operational improvements. Utilizes analytical skills to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. Track record of successful team collaboration and delivering results-oriented solutions.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Business Advisor
SNV / Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD)
06.2024 - Current
- Identified and supported ESG-compliant green business projects.
- Provided investment readiness support and linked businesses to financiers.
- Managed grant facility and led external TA engagements for client enterprises.
- Represented DFCD/SNV at national and regional fora.
Portfolio Manager
Self Help Africa / Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund (EU-Funded)
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Managed a €10 million portfolio supporting 10 agribusinesses and 10,000+ farmers.
- Led project appraisals, due diligence, milestone tracking, and technical support.
- Built capacity of SMEs in finance, governance, and market systems.
Project Manager
DAPP Zambia (Nutrition & Smallholder Farmer Support)
12.2019 - 11.2021
- Oversaw planning, budgeting, stakeholder engagement and project delivery.
- Implemented climate-resilient agriculture and nutrition interventions.
Senior Business Advisor
Zambia Dairy Transformation Programme (ZDTP)
03.2018 - 12.2019
- Provided business management and governance support to dairy cooperatives.
- Enabled cooperatives to scale operations and venture into milk processing.
Regional Business Development Manager
KickStart International
05.2013 - 03.2017
- Managed business strategy and regional market expansion of irrigation products.
- Partnered with agro-dealers and farmer groups to improve agri-tech access.
Senior Project Officer
Africare Zambia (STEPS OVC Project)
04.2008 - 01.2013
- Integrated savings-led microfinance (SILC) into OVC programming.
- Built implementing partner capacity in livelihoods and monitoring.
Group Development Facilitator / Team Leader
CLUSA NRM Zambia
01.2001 - 08.2005
- Led farmer training on sustainable agriculture and agribusiness formation.
- Facilitated transitions to outgrower models and commercial farming.
Education
MBA - Entrepreneurship Management
Taxila American University
Lusaka08-2020
BBA - Development Studies
Zambia Open University
Lusaka09-2012
Skills
- Market Systems Development (MSD)
- Climate Finance & ESG Investment Structuring
- Agribusiness Development & Cooperative Strengthening
- Investment readiness expertise
- Strategic Planning & Programme Management
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement & Donor Liaison
- Proposal Writing, MEL & Reporting
Certification
- Market Systems Development (Beam Exchange/ILO)
- Climate Finance Essentials
- ESG Risk Assessment & Compliance
References
Available upon request.
Affiliations
- Member of the Economic Association of Zambia
Timeline
Regional Business Advisor
SNV / Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD)
06.2024 - Current
Portfolio Manager
Self Help Africa / Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund (EU-Funded)
01.2021 - 05.2024
Project Manager
DAPP Zambia (Nutrition & Smallholder Farmer Support)
12.2019 - 11.2021
Senior Business Advisor
Zambia Dairy Transformation Programme (ZDTP)
03.2018 - 12.2019
Regional Business Development Manager
KickStart International
05.2013 - 03.2017
Senior Project Officer
Africare Zambia (STEPS OVC Project)
04.2008 - 01.2013
Group Development Facilitator / Team Leader
CLUSA NRM Zambia
01.2001 - 08.2005
MBA - Entrepreneurship Management
Taxila American University
BBA - Development Studies
Zambia Open University
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