Government of Malawi - Ministry of Education

I contributed to the realisation of Reform Area 9 on Transformative Communication, stationed within the Office of the Minister.

* Developed and executed high-level communications strategies for the Ministry and Education Broadcasting Station to drive national and Ministry priorities.
* Co-led the planning for the Ministry’s Sector-wide Transformative Communications Strategy.
* Created and implemented comprehensive issue management and crisis communication plans to proactively address challenges, protect the Ministry’s reputation and ensure effective stakeholder engagement.
* Crafted speeches and communication briefs for the Minister, Deputy Minister and senior Ministry officials.
* Supported the Minister and Ministerial delegation at high-level meetings, providing accurate minutes and strategic input.
* Contributed to briefs on critical education matters for the Office of the President and Cabinet.
* Supported the formulation of key sectoral policies and strategies, contributing to national education reforms.
* Played a pivotal role in the development of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy, as a member of the Supervisory Team, drafting several key chapters and sections, and coordinating multi-stakeholder consultations to ensure alignment with national priorities and regional frameworks.
* Produced data-informed briefing documents to facilitate decision making by senior Ministry officials.
* Led the development and editing of communication materials to accurately communicate Ministry initiatives.
* Led strategic and event communications and special media outreach, ensuring broad visibility and stakeholder support.
* Served as a member of the Ministry-wide Delivery Acceleration Taskforce, driving progress on critical education reforms.
* Served as a Transformation and Communications Strategist on the Directorate of ODeL Delivery Acceleration Team, advising on communications and innovative approaches to learning.

Strategic Communications Advisor to the Minister

Africa Women in Trade

Country Representative

Women Investment Cooperative (WINCO)

As CEO of WINCO, I was responsible for driving strategic leadership and operational excellence, fostering women’s economic empowerment through innovative investment initiatives and stakeholder collaboration.

Key Achievements:
* Strategic Leadership:
Led organizational restructuring, including establishing WINCO Holdings PLC, WINCO Microfinance, and WINCO Agri-Corp. Developed operational strategies, investment plans, and marketing strategies for sustainable growth.
* Business Development & Operational Excellence:
Operationalized the Cooperative and its subsidiaries, developed a new Constitution, and facilitated website and Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) development for enhanced visibility and transparency.
* Financial & Program Management:
Oversaw budgeting, cost control, and financial forecasting, while drafting proposals for program grants and financing. Screened and approved shareholder business loans, empowering members to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
* Stakeholder Engagement & Governance:
Enhanced shareholder communication, screened new membership applications, and coordinated Board and Committee meetings. Organized the 2022 Pre-AGM Regional Meetings and Annual General Meeting, driving strategic alignment.

Chief Executive Officer

Acting Chief Executive Officer

As Northern Region Coordinator, I established WINCO’s presence in Mzuzu, driving operational efficiency, membership growth and entrepreneurship development while contributing to strategic restructuring and stakeholder engagement.

Key Achievements:
* Regional Office Leadership:
Established and operationalized the WINCO Northern Region office, providing a hub for stakeholder and member engagement.
* Strategic Contributions:
Prepared the business case for WINCO’s restructuring and supported the establishment of new corporate entities, including WINCO Microfinance. Developed key organizational policies and contributed to the Microfinance business plan.
* Membership Mobilization & Entrepreneurship Development:
Recruited women entrepreneurs as shareholders and participants in the WINCO Into Business Series training program, fostering economic empowerment.
* Operational Excellence:
Maintained an updated regional shareholder database, managed the loan portfolio, and led a national "Know Your Customer" exercise to enhance member segmentation.
* Strategic Communication & Branding:
Developed and quality-checked marketing materials, provided strategic input on branding, and produced communication materials on loans, membership, and industry statistics.
* Stakeholder & Program Management:
Managed internal and external stakeholder relationships, coordinated media promotions, and monitored post-training progress for entrepreneurship programs.

Northern Region Coordinator

Responsible for operationalization of the Board and development of key Policies. Relinquished role to assist with operationalization of regional offices including eatablishment of the Northern Region Office, as well as development and implementation of organisational strategies and programs

Vice Chair Board Of Directors

The Comesa Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB)

Elected as a member of the National Executive Body, I spearheaded communication strategies and stakeholder engagement to amplify the impact of the COMFWB Malawi Chapter.

Key Achievements:
* Strategic Leadership:
Developed a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance branding, visibility, and stakeholder engagement for the Malawi Chapter.
* Media Relations:
Implemented media initiatives, drafted press releases, briefs, and speeches, ensuring positive publicity for Chapter activities.
* Event Management:
Coordinated high-profile launches for three mini-industries in cooking oil processing and cassava production, managing stakeholder relations, media publicity, and exhibitions.
* Membership & Resource Mobilization:
Mobilized Chapter members, fostering collaboration and engagement, while contributing to resource mobilization for sustainable operations.
* Operational Oversight:
Directed communications, marketing, and event coordination activities to ensure smooth execution of Chapter initiatives.

Member of National Executive Body

Mzuzu University

Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor, I established and led the University's Communications and Marketing Department, driving strategic initiatives, crisis communication and stakeholder engagement.

Key Achievements:
* Department Leadership:
Established the Communications and Marketing Department, creating operational standards and a comprehensive marketing-communications strategy.
* Policy Development:
Drafted critical institutional policies, including the Communications Policy, Data Protection Policy, and Confidentiality of Student Records Policy.
* Crisis Communication:
Successfully managed communications during a two-month staff industrial action (Oct–Dec 2016), maintaining institutional credibility.
* Event Strategy & Leadership:
Chaired the Publicity Sub-Committees for major regional events:
- Developed and implemented the Communications Strategy for the African Union C-10 Summit on Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (Nov 2018).
- Co-led the Communications Strategy for the RUFORUM AGM (Oct 2017).
* Stakeholder Engagement:
Built strategic relationships with international, national, and local stakeholders, fostering collaboration and partnerships across various sectors.
* Academic Program Promotion:
Promoted academic programs, short courses, and research projects while collaborating with faculty to design and market new courses.
* Innovation Support:
Contributed to the task force for establishing the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
* Media and Publications:
Facilitated media publicity, coordinated event communications, and produced special publications to enhance the University's visibility.

Communications and Marketing Manager

The Africans

As Founder & CEO of The Africans, I lead initiatives focused on socio-economic empowerment, gender equity and capacity building across Africa, leveraging my expertise in fundraising, communications, event management and international advocacy.

Key Highlights:
* Student Scholarship Fundraising: Raised £12,000 for the Mzuzu University Student Scholarship Fund (2014–2015), fostering access to higher education.
* Strategic Communications: Developed a Communications Strategy, Branding Guidelines, and Media Management Manual for the National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi, strengthening stakeholder engagement.
* Event Management: Organized a high-profile Stakeholder Dinner and facilitated a Group Business Planning Session for Old Mutual Malawi Limited, driving strategic alignment and engagement.
* International Representation: Represented Malawian women at global forums, including the Women’s Development Bank “Making Poverty History” Conference (2017) and the African Women In Dialogue Conference (2018), where I advocated for gender equity and highlighted the role of men in women’s empowerment.

Founder & CEO

Jacaranda Lifestyle Lounge

Jacaranda Lifestyle Lounge was a vibrant upmarket venue in Mzuzu City, renowned for its fusion of cultural and business exchange platforms.

Key Highlights:
* Cultural Hub:
Curated live music, poetry, comedy and film screenings, featuring top entertainers such as Waliko Makhala, Agorosso, Moda Fumulani, the Black Missionaries and Wailing Brothers, among others.
* Artistic Influence:
Pioneered a distinct Afrocentric décor that inspired competitors to elevate their interior designs.
* Media Recognition:
Frequently featured in local media as a leading entertainment destination in the Northern Region.
* Hands-On Leadership:
Co-managed operations with a focus on exceptional customer service, including creating and serving signature cocktails, smoothies and beverages.
* Community Engagement:
Provided a platform for local and international artists, fostering cultural appreciation and collaboration.

Proprietor

Times Television

Key member of the Management Task Team that successfully established and launched Times TV in January 2014, now a prominent network on national and regional platforms.

Key Highlights:
* Content Strategy Development:
Designed the content strategy and conceptualized programming ideas, resulting in the successful implementation of 90% of planned content, now viewed by millions across multiple pay-TV platforms.
* Pre-Launch Production Oversight:
Directed and supervised the production of programs for stockpiling and signal testing, ensuring smooth operations leading up to the network’s launch.
* Talent Development:
Coached presenters to refine their on-screen skills, contributing to a professional and polished broadcast team.

Programmes Manager

Nation Publications Limited

Senior management leader responsible for driving business development, project management and revenue growth for five print and online newspapers.

Key Achievements:
* Fuko Rural Development Newspaper Expansion:
Secured £200,000 in funding to scale circulation from 10,000 to 50,000 copies per fortnight, extending reach from 14 to all 28 districts in Malawi. Spearheaded proposal writing, budgeting, project management, and partnership development.
* Advertising Revenue Growth:
Achieved a 20% year-on-year increase in advertising revenue across platforms, despite a government-imposed advertising ban.
* Strategic Business Development:
Developed business strategies, departmental systems, and acquisition processes, ensuring accountability, financial control and alignment with commercial goals.
* Strategic Contributions:
Played a key role in the company’s 2013-2017 strategic plan, CSR strategy and business development strategy. Drafted legal contracts and prepared detailed reports for strategic decision-making.
* Team Leadership:
Led and mentored a nationwide team of 30 sales and marketing executives, boosting productivity and instilling discipline across the team.

Business Development & Marketing Manager

British Council Malawi

Led the strategic growth, marketing, and management of the Management Xpress (MEX) program, driving professional development and stakeholder engagement for private-sector managers.

Key Achievements:
* Membership Growth: Increased program membership from 198 to over 800 within one year, enhancing access to learning resources, networking opportunities and 15 training events led by local and international experts.
* Program Coordination: Designed and managed the training calendar, conducted training needs assessments and sourced expert facilitators for workshops and events.
* Master Class Innovation: Initiated MEX Master Classes on strategic business topics, including a tailored "Creativity, Innovation and Leadership" session for Standard Bank Malawi’s senior management team.
* Accreditation and Collaboration: Secured partnerships with the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education Training Authority (TEVETA), the Malawi Confederated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) and professional bodies, enabling participants to earn Continuing Professional Development points.
* Regional Business Model Replication: Developed an innovative business model and strategy for MEX, later adopted by British Council offices in Zambia and Botswana, positioning Malawi as a regional leader in professional development.
* Media Networking and Financial Impact: Secured £5,000 worth of free media coverage through strategic media relations and effective financial management.

Management Express Coordinator

I am a business leader and strategic communications expert with 30 years of experience driving transformative reforms across public, private and development sectors. I specialize in strategy, institutional reform and fostering cross-sector partnerships. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a focus on results, I excel at anticipating challenges, navigating complex environments and delivering high-impact outcomes.

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