Mara Mentor One-on-One Profiles Cycle 2

Don Kakiza Head Investor Relations B Mac & Walker Consultants

Don is an experienced professional with a solid reputation for analytical excellence and composure. With extensive experience in project planning and management involving a multitude of responsibilities in the fields of strategic planning, financial, administrative and personnel management. Don is a graduate of Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management in Malibu, California. Don honed his skills in the California pension sector where he assumed several executive positions for over 10 years before returning to East Africa in 2006. Don has played a vital role in helping build B Mac & Walker Consultants under the direct guidance of the founder Mr. Daudi Makobore.

Ezra Musoke

Partner Jacana Partners

Ezra is a Ugandan national with an outstanding track record of investing in SMEs in East Africa. Prior to joining InReturn in Kenya he invested in SMEs in Uganda and Tanzania for GroFin. In Uganda, Ezra was involved in the GroFin operations from the early start and in Tanzania he set up their office. He has closed 25 deals in Uganda and Tanzania and already exited deals successfully over the past five years. As a member of the GroFin finance commitee he was involved in 13 deals in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. Ezra heads up our office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Lawrence Masha

Managing Partner IMMMA Advocates

Lawrence Kego Masha is the Partner in charge of Administration at Ishengoma, Karume, Masha and Magai (Advocates), a member of the DLA Piper Group. Previously, Mr. Masha was Tanzania's Minister for Home Affairs, overseeing the Tanzania Police Force, Prisons Services, Immigration Department, Refugees Services Department and Fire & Rescue Department. In 2005, he was elected as Member of Parliament for Nyamagana Constituency. In 2006, he was appointed Deputy Minister for Energy & Minerals and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs between 2007 and 2008. He has been Managing Director for Tanzania Oxygen, Board Member of Tanzanite One (T) Limited, and Founding Council Member of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. Since 2008, he has been a Board Member of Blue Financial Services. He is also Member of Tanganyika Law Society and East Africa Law Society. Masha holds an LLM in International and Corporate Law from Georgetown University in Washington DC. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Masha is a director and shareholder in Basix East Africa Limited, as well as Eco-protection Tanzania limited, Tanzania's leading waste management company.

Patrick Ngowi

CEO Helvetic Solar Contractors

Helvetic Solar Contractors is the pioneer in the supply, installation and maintenance of solar systems throughout the Northern Circuit of Tanzania. Helvetic Solar Contractors is the first company in the Northern Circuit to cater for Solar needs. We have expanded our network throughout Tanzania and have clientele ranging from the Tanzanian Government to the United Nations. Patrick launched Helvetic Solar Contractors with humble beginnings at the tender age of 22 and in just five years expanded it into the renewable energy solution provider of choice for the Tanzanian government and international clients, including the United Nations. Helvetic was also named the number one company in Tanzanias Top 100 mid-sized companies of 2012 and has now been listed on Forbes 2013 - 30 Under 30: Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs, and Honouree for the 2013 - Young African Person of Year Award

Rose Aziz

CEO Products of Nature

Rose Ana Aziz was born on August 01 1961, in Moshi, Tanzania. She received her primary in the USA and secondary education in Canada. After finishing her secondary education, she returned to the States for further studies. Rose received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1984, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1986, both from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is at present, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of Products of Nature Company Limited and Managing Director of Azipack Company Limited. Rose has also served as Deputy Secretary of the Federation of Women Entrepreneur's in Tanzania (1996-2000), and a member of the Board of Trustee of The Jane Goodall Institute (1995-97).

Andrew Mahiga

Managing Director Maanisha!

Andrew Mahiga (B.A. International Studies) serves as the Managing Director of Maanisha! Ltd. Andrews involvement in media began as a hobby while in university in New York City. He interned at a Mens Lifestyle Magazine (Complex Magazine) where he wrote online articles for the fashion department and assisted in the marketing and advertising departments. He also conducted online marketing for a urban-wear clothing store (www.karmaloop.com) as well as 10.Deep (www.10deep.com). Andrew has been involved with event planning/promoting and fundraising for both for-profit and non-profit organisations both in the United States and Tanzania. After his studies Andrew worked for a Media Monitoring company in Tanzania and appeared on a few programs on MTV Base, Capital TV, Choice FM, Clouds FM, Clouds TV and EATV which also played an influential role in his work today. Andrew also serves as a member of the Lions Club and Rotary Club of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Clark Arrington

CEO Centre for Business & Development (Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy)
Clark Arringtons professional expertise is in the areas of Business and Corporate Law, Community Economic Development (CED), and Corporate Social Responsibility. During his career he has served as a practicing attorney, professor and project manager. Prior to moving to Africa from the USA in 2001 to organize the masters degree program in CED at the Open University of Tanzania, he served as Chair, Capital Coordinator and General Counsel of Equal Exchange, Inc., the oldest for-profit exclusive Fair Trade company in the USA. He also taught courses related to Law and CED at the Southern New Hampshire University and served on the board of directors of the Social Venture Network, the Cooperative Fund of New England and Penn Center. Since being in Africa he has held the positions of senior consulting attorney with the African Development Bank, law partner with Mkono & Co and Country Director of the African Development Foundation. In furtherance of his passion for education, Arrington has mentored numerous young adults in helping them realize their professional and business goals.

Erastus Mtui

Country Public Affairs & Communication Coca-Cola

Erastus Mtui joined Coca Cola Kwanza as Finance Manager before being appointed to be the General Manager for The Zanzibar Bottlers Ltd a sister company to Coca Cola Kwanza and a subsidiary of Coca Cola Sabco. He was appointed in February this year (2013) to head the department of corporate affairs as Corporate Affairs & Communications Director at Coca Cola Kwanza as he runs Zanzibar Bottlers Ltd. He has also worked for Gapco Tanzania Ltd, Oryx Oil Company Ltd and Ernst & Young Tanzania as Finance Manager, Business Analyst and Auditor respectively. Erastus has very strong business analytical skills and good at setting strategies. Erastus founded Center for Creativity and Innovations (UCCI) at the University of Dar es Salaam in 2005 as well as the Combined Efforts Organization Against Corruption at the same university in 2003. He is also a Director for Best Choice Innovations Ltd and Lubes International Ltd. Erastus holds MBA, B.Com, Post grad. Diploma in Economic Diplomacy and he is also Certified Public Accountant-CPA-T.

Mercedes Martin

Managing Director - Reel2Real Film Productions

I am passionate about leading growth and change, managing multicultural teams, promoting alignment with, and creating engagement in, the companys strategy and culture. I am a confident and assertive leader who values efficiency and is comfortable making important business decisions. My intuition and legal background add a highly useful dimension to my leadership and problem solving skills. Having led teams in start-up companies as well as multinationals on several continents, I have demonstrated my ability to adapt well to challenges posed by diverse cultures and work environments. As executive producer and account manager of several successful marketing and communication campaigns, Ive also learned to manage creative and production teams and processes and design innovative customer experiences.

Lawrence Mafuru

CEO Kwanza Financial Services

Lawrence Mafuru is a seasoned Certified Chartered Banker from the Chartered Institute of Bankers London and a Certified Financial Markets Dealer by ACI Financial Markets. He started his career at Standard Chartered Bank in 1998 in the area of International Trade Finance and later on in 2000 moved to Corporate Banking focusing on Corporate Transactional Services. Lawrence was one of the pioneers of Transactional Banking (Corporate Cash Management Services) in Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania where he grew up to the position of Business Development Manager- Transactional Banking focusing on Product Sales and client acquisition in 2003. At the end of 2003 Lawrence moved into the Banks Global Markets/Treasury (Financial Markets) as Corporate Relationship Manager/Dealer with key responsibilities being global treasury products sales and client financial risk management solutions. Lawrence was promoted to the Head of Sales Financial Markets in 2005. He prides himself of being the first Financial Markets Dealer to structure and trade in the first ever TZS denominated currency option in Tanzania making the Tanzanian Shilling the 3rd African currency by then to be traded in global options. He was also very instrumental in the development of derivatives market in Tanzania by structuring the first two interest rate derivatives in this market. His in depth knowledge of the local and global financial markets were very instrumental to his success. In 2007, Lawrence moved on from Standard Chartered Bank to take up the role of Country Treasurer for National Bank of Commerce (ABSA/Barclays Group Subsidiary) the position he held until June 2010 when he was appointed to be the Managing Director and CEO of the same bank.

Charles Washoma

Business Executive Insurance & Financial Services

I am a Business Executive - Insurance, Risk Management and Financial Services, and respected Community Leader committed to integrity, service, learning, and innovation with the technical skills required to achieve and exceed objectives for growth and development. What I bring to the table Extensive Executive/Management experience and community leadership including, official meetings, discussions and planning sessions on economic, trade, political and social development with various heads of state, ministers of government, trade delegations, mayors and councils. Multi-cultral experience in diverse environments around the world including Europe, North America, Asia, and much of Africa. Expertise in start-ups and building static companies into industry leaders Broke into new markets and successfully introduced two new brands/companies, AFRICAN LIFE ASSURANCE (TANZANIA) LTD. and LIAISON INSURANCE BROKERS (TANZANIA) LTD. A firm believer in capitalism with conscience, and having twenty-one years experience in business nine years of which have been at board of directors-level experience. Strong focus on developing companies and people, promoting personal growth to build organizational success and profitability.

Shekhar Kanabar

Director Synarg Group

Shekhar Kanabar completed his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management from Babson College. The Financial Times in 2011 Global MBA Rankings has ranked the Babson MBA program #1 in Entrepreneurship for the second consecutive year. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and Free Masons Organization. Shekhar is the chairman of the board of directors for Blue Financial Services Tanzania. Director and Shareholder of the Synarge Group of Companies. The group interest lies in a wide range of activities from trading of tyres and retread services, trading of automotive spares for heavy commercial vehicles, battery recycling, logistical solutions, HR & recruitment solutions. Synarge has a strong work force of over 600 people spread across the Country. He has also recently joined the board of directors for Tanzindia assurance.

Kelvin Twissa

Head of Brand & Communication Vodacom

Experienced telecom executive in developing appropriate commercial plans to meet the required business objectives. Developed long and short-term strategies based on an in-depth understanding of the telecommunication industry. Currently driving revenue perfomance for Vodacom Tanzania working with different revenue streams including voice, VAS, M-Pesa & Enterprise business. Previously lead the development of Airtel-money structure and launch for airtel Tanzania after working successfuly as head acquisition and leading the marketing team in Consumer Marketing, Brand Communication and as Marketing Director. While at Airtel initiated fixed broadband project which later became a full Enterprise solution offering MPLS solution to Corporate clients.

Irene Kiwia

Managing Director Frontline Porter Novelli

Irene Kiwia is a Managing Director of Public Relations Agency Frontline Porter Novelli in Dar es Salaam. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing and Finance after obtaining a Bachelors degree in International Relations and Public Administration from the University of Dar es Salaam. Irenes work experience includes with private companies, government authorities and UN agencies. Irene serves as Chair and founder of The Tanzania Women of Achievement committee which aims to bring recognition and socio-economic empowerment to Tanzanian women.

Modesta Mahiga

Managing Director Professional Approach

Modesta is at the forefront of private sector interventions to build capacity to transform Tanzania into regional economic dominance. As Founder and Group Managing Director of Professional Approach Group, Modesta has integrated the Groups flagship mindset change for national transformation model into all client recruitment, training, labour relations, SME consulting and business process outsourcing services to render the Professional Approach brand synonymous with change management and behavioural transformation for personal and national development in Tanzania. Awarded 2011 Tanzania Woman of Achievement of the Year in the category of Young Achiever, Modesta is also a respected writer and motivational speaker, energising the youth, entrepreneurs and employees. As a young entrepreneur-mentor Modesta tirelessly supports individuals, organisations, local and international think tanks to encourage entrepreneurship amongst African youth and promote responsible business policies, practices and good governance in Africa. Modesta is an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and sits on the Board of The Foundation for Civil Society and the Executive Committee of Tanzania Professionals Network.