• Our Staff

    Here is the TRADE Programme Management Unit

    Dr. Babra Ntapara is a distinguished development professional with over 12 years of expertise in livelihoods enhancement, rural transformation, and economic empowerment. She brings to the TRADE Programme a proven track record in value chain development, market analysis, and strategic project management, having successfully led initiatives that uplift rural communities through both international and local NGOs as well as government institutions. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Livelihoods (International & Rural Development), a Master’s in Climate Change & Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. This strong foundation, combined with her hands-on experience, equips her to design and deliver inclusive, sustainable, and impactful development solutions. Renowned for her ability to build strong stakeholder partnerships and tailor interventions to community needs, Dr. Ntapara has consistently driven projects that open market opportunities and improve rural livelihoods. Her passion for development, coupled with her critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, positions her as a key contributor to TRADE’s mission and the broader Malawi 2063 agenda.

    Dr. Babra Ntapara

    National Programme Coordinator

    Section image

    Charles Chinangwa

    Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist.

    Section image

    Stella Nyirenda

    Finance Management Specialist.

     

    Alinafe Malisawa, MCIPS is a chartered Procurement and Supply Chain leader with extensive experience in procurement, supply chain, grants, and project management. She served as the President of the Malawi Institute of Procurement and Supply (MIPS, 2020–2022; 2024–2025) and currently serves as Procurement and Contracts Specialist for the Malawi Government’s flagship TRADE Programme, co-funded by IFAD and OFID. Her past roles include Head of Procurement at the National AIDS Commission (2021–2024) and the Parliament of Malawi (2017–2020). In 2022, she received the Pan African Woman of Substance in Procurement and Supply Chain Award. She has also served on the Malawi Central Medical Stores Board Technical Committee and is a Board Member of Good News Ministries Church. Alinafe holds an MSc in Supply Chain Management (University of Bolton) and a BA in Public Administration (University of Malawi).

    Alinafe Malisawa

    Procurement and Contracts Specialist

    Section image

    Davison Mandenge

    Infrastructure Specialist.

    Section image

    Linda Magombo Munthali

    Agribusiness and Value Chains Specialist

    Section image

    Amos Lupi Simwela

    Environment and climate Change Specialist.

    Charles Changalala is a Commodity Specialist for Groundnuts and Sunflower under the TRADE Programme with 10+ years of progressive experience in agricultural commercialization. A graduate of Bunda College of Agriculture (now LUANAR) with a BSc in Agriculture, Charles specialize in strengthening inclusive value chains and enhancing smallholder farmer participation in structured markets. Charles's work focuses on building sustainable public–private partnerships that connect Farmer Business Organizations, processors, off‑takers, and input suppliers. With a proven track record of driving commercialization of groundnuts and sunflower, Charles is committed to fostering collaboration, improving farmer livelihoods, and advancing rural transformation.

    Charles Changalala

    Commodity Specialist (Sunflower & Groundnuts).

    Section image

    Emmanuel Mponya

    Commodity Specialist (Livestock).

     

    Annie Matiti is an accomplished agriculture and rural development professional with over 22 years of experience advancing sustainable livelihoods and community resilience. She holds an MSc in Rural Development and Extension and a BSc in Agriculture Extension from Bunda College, grounding her expertise in both technical and strategic dimensions of rural transformation. Annie has served in diverse leadership and technical roles, including CS-Soybean Lead for the TRADE Programme, Programme Manager for Rural Livelihoods at Yamba Malawi, and Crops and Extension Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture. Throughout her career, she has championed farmer empowerment, agricultural innovation, and inclusive development, consistently driving impact across Malawi’s agriculture sector.

    Annie Matiti

    Commodity Specialist (Soy Bean).

     

    Section image

    Arthur Ngwende

    Commodity Specialist (Honey)

     

    Sekani Kateta is a seasoned agricultural development professional with more than 15 years of experience in value chain development, market access, and smallholder commercialization. His career has been dedicated to advancing initiatives that strengthen seed systems, agribusiness development, rural finance, farmer organizations, and climate change resilience, efforts aimed at transforming livelihoods while addressing rural poverty, food insecurity, and vulnerability. Over the years, Sekani has collaborated extensively with government institutions, NGOs, donor agencies, and the private sector to design and implement impactful agricultural programmes that deliver sustainable solutions for rural communities. Currently, he serves as a Commodity Specialist with the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) Programme, where he leads interventions in the potato value chain. His work focuses on enhancing productivity, increasing farmer incomes, and building resilience among smallholder farmers through inclusive, market-oriented approaches. Sekani holds a Master of Science in Agronomy and a Bachelor of Science in Crop Science, both from the University of Malawi, underscoring his strong academic foundation and technical expertise in agricultural development.

    Sekani Kateta

    Commodity Specialist (Potato)

     

    Oscar is a multidisciplinary professional driving inclusive rural development and socio-economic transformation. A Certified Monitoring and Evaluation Professional and also a strategist with a Professional Strategic Management Certificate, he is currently advancing his skills in Public Administration to integrate public policy and analysis into his work. He leads strategic initiatives in Knowledge Management, Corporate Communications, and Social Behavior Change Communication, designing M&E systems, visibility policies, and digital innovation strategies that amplify impact. Holding an MBA in Agribusiness, Oscar brings deep insights into agricultural commercialization, education technology and business strategy, and is passionate about leveraging technology and storytelling to democratize knowledge and accelerate transformation in rural contexts.

    Oscar Roy Ulili

    Knowledge Management and Communications Officer

    Section image

    Ekari Jimusole

    Gender and Social Inclusion Officer

     

    Section image

    Fred Balakasi

    Field Engineer

    Section image

    Isaac Bright Chirombo

    Accountant

    Section image

    Brain Jingini

    Procurement and Contracts Officer

    Section image

    Peter Lucius Nahuwo

    Data Management Officer

    Section image

    Mary Manjanja

    Field Engineer

    Section image

    Tamanda Mabaso

    Field Engineer

    Section image

    Mwayi Magombo

    Regional Environment and Climate Change Officer

    Section image

    Funny Nkhunda Likwemba

    Accountant

    Section image

    Beatrice Kabango

    Administrative Officer / PA

    Shida Kambalame Brasho is an accomplished development professional with more than 18 years of expertise in programme coordination and agricultural development. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, complemented by a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies. In her current role as District Coordinator for the Kasungu Cluster under the TRADE Programme, Shida provides strategic leadership in advancing value-chain commercialization, strengthening farmer cooperatives, and fostering inclusive, market-oriented agriculture. Her work is dedicated to enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and driving sustainable rural transformation.

    Shida Kambalame

    District Coordinator

    Section image

    Patricia Nyongopa

    District Coordinator

    Section image

    Ellard Tung'ande

    Head Driver/ Office assistant

    Section image

    Michael Njirazafa

    Driver/ Office assistant

    Cookie Use
    We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
    Learn More