Our Team

Jacob Zikusooka

Africa Regional Director

Jacob has, for the last 20 years, been actively involved in the Shipping and Logistics industry besides other entrepreneurial pursuits in Real Estate, Commercial Forestry, Media, and more recently eCommerce. For the last 10 years he has also served on the board of Hiinga Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit and faith-driven impact investing fund.

He is a graduate of the Stanford Institute of Innovation in Developing Economies, Stanford Graduate School of Business’ initiative for high-potential entrepreneurs in the developing world.

Derrick Waiswa

Chief Operations Officer

Derrick is highly skilled in Operation Management, Business Development, Business Analysis, Investment Analysis, Leadership, Strategic Consulting, Entrepreneurship Training and Support. He has over 10 years’ experience starting, managing, and sustaining enterprises. He is a graduate of the Universiteit Leiden – Political Economy of Institutions and Development.

Joy Wanyoike

Human Resource and Operations Manager

Joy is an exceptional talent renowned for her expertise in Human Resources and operations. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resources, and an MBA (Human Resource Management) from the esteemed Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University.

With an exceptional track record, Joy effortlessly navigates the intricacies of HR management and operational excellence. Notably, she is a distinguished member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills in line with global standards.

Joy's profound proficiency and dedication make her a valuable asset in driving organizational success.

Mellanie Ng’ang’a

Partnerships Manager: SME Access to Finance

Mellanie is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience spanning over a decade in entrepreneurial programs, banking, and client management within the dynamic landscape of Kenya. She is a graduate of the prestigious Catholic University of Eastern Africa, holding a Bachelor's degree in Economics.

Mellanie's exceptional expertise is further underscored by her certification as a Credit Professional (CCP) from (KASNEB), demonstrating her mastery of credit management principles and practices. In addition to her financial acumen, Mellanie possesses remarkable skills in project management, enabling her to successfully lead and execute complex initiatives.

Furthermore, she is a recognized specialist in gender-related issues. With a demonstrated track record of delivering exceptional results, Mellanie's multifaceted skill set, unwavering professionalism, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset in driving positive outcomes.

Jessie Adoch

Monitoring and Evaluation Associate

Jessie is a highly skilled professional known for her exceptional analytical and data management abilities, with a strong proficiency in data analysis tools and software.

With over four years of professional experience, she has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment, loyalty, and a track record of excellence in achieving organizational goals.

Jessie holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics from Kyambogo University, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute.

Irene Namalwa

Portfolio Manager

Irene, for over 10 years, has a wealth of professional experience in different capacities and organisations in Uganda and Kazakhstan. She is a graduate of the Makerere University with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Economics.

Natasha Omori

Marketing and Community Engagement Lead

Natasha is a highly skilled Corporate Communications Specialist and Digital Strategist with 3+ years of experience. She possesses excellent communication and leadership skills, having led cross-functional teams in developing and executing marketing strategies that align with business objectives. She is adept at using data driven insights to identify market trends and consumer behavior that enables her to craft compelling messages and create impactful content.

She is a graduate of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Social Communication