Rashid Mwakatuma

Rashid Mwakatuma has a diverse work experience spanning several years. Rashid began their career at CARE International in Tanzania as a Senior Business Advisor, where they worked on the Pathways and We-Rise Program, focused on agriculture value chains and market system development in Mtwara and Lindi regions. Rashid facilitated collaboration and coordination between value chain actors, farmer organizations, and private sector companies, among others, to improve business environment and promote collective actions.

After their time at CARE, Rashid worked as an Assistant Program Coordinator at Restless Development on the Kijana Ibuka Project. This project aimed to improve and scale-up business development skills for income generation activities among young people in the Mbeya region. Rashid was responsible for identifying and assessing market development issues in the horticulture/agribusiness subsectors and designing market tactics for the sunflower/horticulture sector.

Currently, Rashid is employed as a Business Development Services Relationship Coordinator at MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) Tanzania, working on the USAID Enabling Growth through Investment and Enterprises Project. Rashid'smain duties in this role include recruiting and maintaining a database of Business Development Service Providers, conducting capacity assessments, identifying lead companies to improve SMEs in the region, and coordinating equipping for growth activities.

Throughout their career, Rashid has demonstrated their skills in market analysis, coordination, capacity building, and stakeholder management. Rashid has consistently contributed to the development and growth of businesses, particularly in agriculture value chains.

Rashid Mwakatuma has a diverse education background. Rashid obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Natural Resources Management from the University of Dar es Salam in Tanzania, from 2006 to 2009. Prior to that, they attended Benjamin William Mkapa High School from 2003 to 2005. In their earlier education, Rashid attended St. Anthony's High School from 2000 to 2004, focusing on Business/Commerce, General.

Rashid has also pursued executive education. In 2014, they attended the Agribusiness Management Program (AgMP) at the Association of African Business School (AABS) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Furthermore, they have additional certifications in various fields. Notably, they obtained the Certified Agribusiness Manager certification in 2004 from the Agribusiness Management Consurtum-Sokoine University of Agriculture and Association of African Business School Consortum. Rashid also holds certifications such as Credit Readiness Facilitator (obtained in 2019), Private Sector Engagement Specialist (obtained in 2014), Gender, Equity, and Diversity (obtained in 2013), and Market Engagement and Value Chains Development Advisor (obtained in 2012).

Overall, Rashid Mwakatuma has a solid educational foundation and has pursued specialized certifications to enhance their skills in agribusiness management and related areas.