Southern and Central Africa Regional Innovation Hub

Mashiri Zvarimwa is an Agri-business and digital innovation expert with extensive regional and international experience spanning over 15 years. He has worked with international development missions like the European Commission providing advisory services on transformation strategies for African agriculture. Mashiri has made several professional engagements with the United Nations’ Rome-based Agencies on various agricultural policy themes, advocating for meaningful youth engagement in the design and execution of agri-food policies.  Mashiri holds a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Zimbabwe as well as an MBA from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. He is passionate about creating ecosystems of entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of agri-food systems transformation.

Promoting a resilient environment, combating climate change and promote sustainability through the implementation of Environmental Sustainability Goals and best practices resonates as Taryn’s core philosophy. The projects she has been involved with relate largely to water, energy, mining, waste, and infrastructure development.

She has been committed to keeping current in the industry of environmental management and am always willing to share her knowledge. She has a combined 17 years of experience. Her field of expertise was developed from experience in conservation, scientific services, ecological reporting, energy in the SADC, Renewable energy (Solar (PV, CSP, Solar Home systems, mini grids, transmission lines, Wind and hydroelectric power), mining, Environmental Compliance (Grade 2 Environmental Management Inspector), Environmental licensing, working with Resettlement Actions Plans (RAP), working with the RAP team, developing environmental and social sections in operation and maintenance manuals, project implementation and management, developing Environmental Management Systems (EMS), developing protected area management plans, contributing to the development of Climate Change Reports, Environmental auditing, capacity building on an a number of areas in the environmental field (including energy and water), skills transfers in the Environmental Components of Project Management offices (PMO) on EMS’s, water resource development and
training EMI on key legislation and utilities on ESM’s.

Her extended experience also includes a wide range of environmentally related projects, processes, and applications for private, commercial, and industrial clients, in addition to local, provincial, and national government departments.

Reginald has over 15 years of experience in the energy and climate change sector. He has experience working with various communities and governments in Africa and internationally to increase productivity and improve livelihoods through sustainable provision of energy and climate smart technologies. Reginald holds a BA (Hons) in History and Development Studies and has numerous certifications in finance and renewable energy. Reginald is experienced in developing concepts on policy and regulation in the off-grid solar sector to create an enabling environment and has implemented plans to foster increased awareness of the relevance of renewable energy access in Southern Africa. He also has experience in capacity building to increase civic engagement and awareness on renewable
energy and climate change agenda.

Mr. Lona is a seasoned advisor with over 12 years of experience in providing technical assistance and advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various industries, with a primary focus on energy access and the energy nexus. His expertise includes strategic guidance in business advisory, access to finance, and policy and regulatory frameworks.

Throughout his career, Mr. Lona has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering synergies among key sectors such as energy, water, fintech, finance, and food. He has been at the forefront of promoting innovation and sustainability, facilitating collaborations that lead to tangible results.

Mr. Lona has a proven track record of supporting early-stage SMEs, enabling them to pilot their products and secure essential research and development financing. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in facilitating investments within the energy-agriculture space, working closely with investors keen on diversifying their portfolios.

Jacquie EALE is a Trade and Business development specialist with more than 7 years of experience with local an international organization. Jacquie is passionate about building the best relationship within the African continent to improve the life of people in rural areas and making an impact in the community. She is currently the Administrative assistant at the GICHON MINING DRC and part time consultant as the Francophone Country Coordinator for the WE4F. Jacquie holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from CTI Education group in Pretoria and a system development diploma from the London school of Business Management. With a background in HR management, her experience include employee’s relation, strategic programming and organizational development.

Nawa Luywa has 8years experience in project management, change management and organizational strategy development, offering sharp time management, organizational and support skills. Personable individual willing to work hard and take on any task. Considerate, professional, experienced in putting quality control procedures to work, streamlining procedures while optimizing employee talent and implementing learning
and development strategies that improve staff and organization performance. Goal-oriented manager with distinguished experience in Non-Governmental Organizations, proven leadership abilities in supporting the development of SME with business skills, capacity building, technical assistance and creating networks. Nawa is passionate about doing your part in creating the world we all need and want to see.