Mr. Mtaziwa Kumwenda is a seasoned agribusiness professional with over 25years experience. His career spans across various sectors including academia/research, education, government, NGO and agribusiness. He is currently the Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors at ATS AGROCHEMICALS. He holds a BSc Agricultural Economics from UNZA, AVCASA (Crop Protection Professional) and MBA.

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He is a seasoned financial executive with over 27 years of banking experience across South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia. He is recognized for driving commercial growth, strengthening organizational performance, and navigating diverse regional markets with strategic insight.

He has held several senior leadership roles, including General Manager in South Africa, Corporate Banking Director in Tanzania, and Chief Operating Officer and Business Banking Director in Botswana, consistently advancing commercial strategy, enhancing the corporate value proposition, and supporting the onboarding of key clients across SMMEs and corporate segments.

Andre’s expertise spans relationship banking, credit, deal structuring, and strategy execution. He also served as Group Head of Corporate and Agriculture for FMBCH, where he guided regional growth initiatives leveraging deep sector knowledge.

He holds a Master’s in Financial Management, an Honours in Business Management, and a Degree in Agricultural Economics, all of which underpin his strong leadership impact.

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Mrs. Angela Sitali-Nguluwe, a qualified lawyer, currently serves as the Manager – Business Registrations at PACRA (Patents and Companies Registration Agency).

Her impressive professional journey is marked by a multidisciplinary evolution, as she successfully transitioned from teaching to accounting before settling into her current role in the legal and regulatory field. This diverse experience has equipped her with a wide array of qualifications across education, accounting, risk and compliance management, and law.

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Mary Mumba is a certified expert in financial inclusion and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme. Award winner of the 2023 distinguished Business leadership Excellence award by the African Leadership Magazine.

Prior to joining ZCGS Mary worked for Zambia National Commercial Bank and National Savings and Credit Bank where she gained extensive experience in banking. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Development studies from University of Zambia. She has also obtained scholarships for her master's degree: A Master of Science degree in Microfinance from University of Bergamo in Italy, and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Business school Netherlands.

Mary is an alumni of Harvard Business school having received training in Strategic leadership in financial Inclusion. She has also received training from Coady Institute of Canada in Community based Microfinance for Financial Inclusion.

Additionally, she holds certificates in Credit Management and Compliance Management from Institute of Credit Management and University of Cape Town in south Africa, respectively. She was awarded the Foundation J. Noel scholarship to under take Certificate in Law and Regulation of Inclusive Finance at Luxembourg university.

Mary is a diploma holder in Banking and Finance from Zambia Institute of Bankers.

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—Engineer Bernard Mwape Chiwala is a renowned Transformational Leader in Zambia who blends both technical and Commercial skills. Living by the DWA PRINCIPLE [Decision with Action] is what has defined Engineer Chiwala during his illustrious career that began in 1991. As a visionary leader, an engineer, and a family man, Engineer Chiwala’s contributions have significantly helped to shape Public infrastructure in Zambia.  

—ENGINEERCHIWALA has held several high-ranking positions, including Director and CEO of the Road Development Agency, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, and President of the Engineering Institution of Zambia. He also served as the Managing Director of Nkana Water and Sewerage Company where he led the organization to achieve the NWASCO Award of BEST RUN WATER COMPANY IN ZAMBIA during the period 2006/2007 and2004/2005. In recognition of his contribution to Public Infrastructure development in Zambia, Engineer Chiwala was on 25^th May2025 awarded the Grand Commander to the Order of Distinguished Service: First Division by the Republican President.

—Engineer Chiwala wears many hats, one of which is that of a Farmer, specifically avocado farming, as a strategic pathway for transforming Zambia’s economy and building intergenerational wealth. He firmly believes we can FARM ZAMBIA OUT OF POVERTYTHROUGH AGRICULTURE MECHANIZATION AND VALUE ADDITION.

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Managing Director & Business Head - East & Southern AfricaBusiness Area

Area of Expertise

Given has 20+years in Agribusiness management across Sub-Saharan Africa. Expert in strategy, advocacy & Policy, and stakeholder management. Passionate about sustainable agriculture, farmers and team development, customer focus, and performance improvement. Champions change and inclusive leadership, prioritizing safe work environments. Experienced in corporate communications, both internal and external.

Currently he’s the Regional General Manager at Syngenta, responsible for financial and operational performance. Drives long-term strategy for profitable growth and industry leadership.

Under his leadership, Syngenta has expanded access to advanced crop protection and seed treatment solutions, including FORTENZA® Duo and MIRAVIS® Duo, alongside the launch of breakthrough innovations shaping the region’s next chapter in farm performance: Laudento®, a breakthrough insecticide supporting stronger pest management outcomes; Victrato® and Vaniva®,new-generation nematicide solutions helping farmers protect yield potential from below-ground threats; and Vixeran®, a biological innovation enabling more sustainable farming approaches and supporting long-term soil health. He has also championed Cropwise Grower, empowering farmers with free, practical agronomy advice and smarter decision-making—a new frontier in digital agriculture that strengthens farm profitability, efficiency, and on-farm stewardship.

Holds key board positions in Agricultural sector, including CropLife Zambia (Chair), CropLife Kenya, Africa Seed Trade Association, and former President of Zambia Seed Industry Association.

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Dr. Harriet Scott is a seasoned Market and Research Consultant with expertise in Food Systems, Gender Equity, and Agricultural Value Chains. She is the Founder of Hasco Consultants and Chairperson of the Board of Africa Feature Network. With over 15 years of experience working with farmers, policymakers, and development partners across Africa, Dr. Harriet champions data-driven approaches to sustainable agriculture and equitable market access. Her work focuses on empowering women in agribusiness, promoting food sovereignty, and advancing intra-African trade. She brings a dynamic voice to the Farmers Choice Awards, advocating for innovation, inclusion, and dignity in farming.

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Dr. Mainza Obby Nicholus is a Chief Agriculture Economist – Department of Agribusiness and Marketing for the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia, and the National Secretary for the Economics Association of Zambia. He is also known for his work as an agribusiness specialist and a consultant, a public speaker, a business masterclass tutor, and a part-time lecturer. He has been in the agribusiness sector for over 20 years of practice and mentorship. He is a frequent TV discussant on African economies and agri-food systems, and has authored the book "I SEE GOLD WHERE OTHERS SEE DUST". He holds multiple academic and professional qualifications from PhD, MSc, MBA, BSc to many more corporate certificates in governance and project management.

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