Founder

Sven Haefner

Sven is an investment specialist, structured finance expert and business builder, with a wealth of experience from managing investment banking and financial advisory businesses in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Zambia. During his career he built an expertise in investment solutions, structured finance, equities and derivatives and has managed tens of billions of dollars in investment products. Sven holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Zurich.

Chief Financial Officer

Sheila Garakara

Sheila is a qualified chartered accountant, skilled in accounting and finance with experience in the private sector and with development NGOs. She has worked at various institutions from Belton Mining in South Africa where she honed her skills in accounting to the Solidaridad where she is regional finance manager with responsibilities for the Southern African region. During her time at Solidaridad, she has also gained insight on the needs and expectations of impact investors.

Compliance Officer

Kadidja Sidibe

Kadidja has experience in the capital markets industry. She previously worked with legal firms in the United Kingdom and in Lusaka Zambia as well as in the financial industry. She served as compliance officer and legal advisor during her time at Focus Financial Services in Zambia, where she conducted several activities within the legal and compliance space in relation to capital markets.

COO

Mainsa Mvula

Mainsa has combined professional experience in human resources, customer experience, small holding operations  management and stakeholder liaison. She has worked in retail services as well as the mining industry.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with Honors from the University of Greenwich and a Masters of Business Administration from ZCAS University.

Senior Investment Analyst

Kangwa Kasonde

Kangwa's work is centred around assessing SMEs on their financials and operations as well as their impact. She holds a BSc degree in Banking and Finance from Copperbelt University, Zambia as well as an investment advisory and stockbroker qualification from the Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust. Her thesis was on fintech and financial inclusion in Southern Africa as it relates to SME financial

Investment Analyst

Kinsley Chinkuli

Kinsley focuses on financial modelling. Previously he worked for a Zambian asset management firm, where he focused on equity valuation, stock analysis and asset allocation. He holds a BSc degree in Finance from George Mason University, outside of Washington, D.C. and an investment advisory and stockbroker qualification from the Zambia College of Pensions and insurance Trust.

Accountant

Mwiya Siban 

Mwiya is a skilled finance professional with over 5 years of experience in the industry, primarily with FINCA Zambia. Throughout his career, Mwiya has developed a comprehensive understanding of financial operations, encompassing responsibilities such as recording, monitoring, and reporting on financial transactions. His expertise extends to areas including prepayments and accruals, which he possesses a deep knowledge of. Mwiya attended the Zambia Institute of Management and holds an ACCA diploma in Accounting and Business. Mwiya is recognised for his exceptional communication abilities and string interpersonal skills, which enable him to foster effective collaboration and contribute significantly to team dynamics. 

WildHive&Co

Jonas Schuten

Jonas has been exposed to the honey industry from a young age with his father making bee keeping his hobby. He has more than ten years of experience in the Zambian honey industry and combined with his role as community manager in both Italy and Zambia, this showcases his diverse social skill set. His achievements include optimising operations, fostering market connections and elevating product quality.  With a history of success Jonas continues to drive with growth and innovation.

Sevington 30Thirty

Mutale Mulenga

Mutale is an Investment Banker with a successful career in corporate finance, commercial and retail banking at Wells Fargo and Bank of America / Countrywide in the USA. Since returning to Zambia in 2008, his focus has been on financing and advising SMEs, property developments and agriculture programmes.

Senior Technical Partner (ElSewedy, Zambia) Jade Solar

Karim Gabriel

Karim is an experienced professional in the engineering, construction, and solar energy sectors. With a technical background and 10 years of experience in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, he has led the development and implementation of various PV solar solutions. This includes utility-scale solar projects, rooftop solar programs, and off-grid solar PV with battery storage systems across multiple countries. Currently, Karim is driving the expansion of ElSewedy Electric's green energy portfolio in Zambia, overseeing the implementation of solar PV and battery storage microgrids. He is also leading investment projects in the water sector. 

Headlight Advisor

Lukwesa Burak

Lukwesa Burak is an accomplished and respected journalist with a wealth of experience in the media industry. She has worked for prestigious news organizations, including the BBC and Sky News, and has interviewed influential figures from politics, business, and entertainment. Lukwesa's dedication to journalism has earned her numerous accolades and recognition for her exceptional work.

Petauke

John W Mwanza

John has 17 years of experience in the creative and advertising industry. He studied Marketing at Damelin Business College and Multimedia at the University of the Arts London. He has used the knowledge he gained to open an ambitious advertising agency, Mojo NewMedia which has now grown into one of the leading creative agencies in Zambia providingthe widest range of creative communication services under one roof. 

Insaka

Petra Chikasa 

Petra is a talented professional with a diverse background and a passion for empowering individuals and organizations. With expertise in human resources, talent development, and leadership, Petra has made significant contributions throughout her career. She has worked with various companies and industries, focusing on strategies that enhance employee engagement, foster inclusive work environments, and drive organizational growth. Petra is known for her strong communication skills, ability to build meaningful relationships, and her commitment to driving positive change. Through her work with Insaka, she aims to inspire and support individuals in achieving their full potential while helping organizations thrive.

Koloso

James Blewett

James is a highly experienced professional with a background in accountancy and corporate finance and over 25 years of work in international economic development. In Zambia, he spearheaded the implementation of the UK funded Private Enterprise Programme, overseeing a total budget of GBP108m. He has advised governments on privatization strategies and played a key role in deals worth over US$1bn in Central and Eastern Europe. He has also worked extensively in Asia and Africa, focusing on private sector development and impact investment. James has facilitated impact investing deals amounting to almost US$100m in Zambia and is involved in various investments, including a fintech company and green growth-related SMEs.