Stephen Mwangi is a researcher at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) since January 2023, focusing on locally controlled forest business with particular attention to forest enterprise and value chain development in Africa. Previously, as a Business Development Manager at ClimeTrek Ltd from August 2022 to December 2022, Stephen was responsible for identifying and onboarding carbon development partners across Africa. Stephen's career at Gatsby Africa spanned from November 2016 to July 2021, starting as a Forester and advancing to Senior Facilitator for Private Investments, where collaboration with stakeholders was emphasized for inclusive growth in the Kenyan commercial forestry sector. Additionally, Stephen served as a Project Manager for NJOCOMAH from February 2012 to March 2015, leading a European Union-funded conservation and alternative livelihood project in Mau East Forest. Educational achievements include a Master's degree in Natural Resources Management from Egerton University, a Master's in Tropical Forestry from Bangor University, and a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from Moi University.