Navy Highson Simukonda
Navy is a seasoned Rural Development and Agricultural Specialist with over three decades of experience across Southern Africa. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of the Free State (South Africa), a Postgraduate Diploma in Land Management and Informal Settlement Regularisation from Erasmus University (Netherlands), and a University Diploma in Agriculture from the Natural Resources Development College (Zambia). He has also obtained professional certificates in Organisation and Change Management (InWent -Germany) and Rural Development (Khanya College, South Africa).
Navy has held senior leadership positions including Chief Operations Officer at the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency and Acting Chief Executive Officer at the Eastern Cape Rural Finance Corporation (South Africa). His expertise spans programme and project management, rural finance, agribusiness support, land reform, and sustainable livelihoods.
Over the years, he has successfully led multi-stakeholder initiatives that promoted agricultural transformation, capacity building, and economic empowerment of rural communities.
Clare Mbizule
Humanitarian and Development Leader | Participatory Research and Livelihoods Analysis | Inclusive Programming
Seasoned professional with 25+ years of experience driving humanitarian and development initiatives in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Among the early adopters and trainers on participatory livelihood approaches in Zambia (1995) and South Africa (1997), which promoted inclusive, community-led programming. Skilled in data analysis, risk management, M&E, gender, and protection.
Adept at navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments with operational precision and strategic clarity. Trusted mentor and communicator, known for building strong partnerships and championing knowledge management.
Arthur Mazimba
Arthur has a graduate degree in Public Health from Boston University in the USA, and 15 years’ experience in Health Research and Data Analysis, Proposal Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project/Program Implementation, Operations Management/Administration, and Health Promotion and Advocacy.
His skills include grant proposal development and training, monitoring and evaluation, qualitative research and survey techniques, people management, and initiating and managing community partnerships. He has successfully managed multi-centered research projects, including clinical trials within Zambia. His strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills are a demonstration of his excellent leadership in research and monitoring & evaluation.