Board & Staff

Regional General Manager, Volcafe
Kampala, Uganda

Jeremy Mpalampa is Volcafe's Regional General Manager for Uganda and Ethiopia. He brings over a decade of experience in the coffee industry. Jeremy joined Volcafe as a coffee trader in Uganda before assuming further leadership positions in Tanzania and Vietnam. Jeremy returned to Uganda in 2022 as General Manager of Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd, Volcafe's company in the country, and was appointed Regional General Manager for Uganda and Ethiopia in August 2024.

Prior to joining the coffee sector, Jeremy held various positions in the banking sector in the United Kingdom. Jeremy is passionate about collaborating with smallholder communities and implementing initiatives that foster business growth and create sustainable solutions. Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Makerere University Business School, along with a Master's degree in Financial Analysis and Fund Management from the University of Exeter, and has completed executive education programs at the London Business School and the Harvard Business School.

Agricultural Policy & Coffee Sector Expert
Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Joseph K. Kimemia is a distinguished agricultural scientist, coffee agronomist, and senior policy advisor with over 25 years of leadership experience across research, governance, and international agricultural development. He brings deep expertise in the coffee value chain, institutional governance, strategy, and quality assurance, gained through senior executive roles in Kenya’s national agricultural research system and advisory engagements with international organizations.

Dr. Kimemia previously served as Director of Research at the Coffee Research Foundation (2003–2013), where he provided strategic oversight of national coffee research programs covering crop improvement, agronomy, pest and disease management, and quality enhancement. Under his leadership, research–extension–farmer linkages were strengthened, contributing to improved productivity, resilience, and global competitiveness of Kenya’s coffee sector.

He later served as Director for Planning, Performance Management, and Quality Assurance at the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) (2015–2021), Kenya’s apex agricultural research institution. In this role, he led institutional strategy, performance contracting, monitoring and evaluation systems, and quality assurance frameworks, ensuring alignment with national development priorities and international best practices.

Internationally, Dr. Kimemia has served as a Coffee Specialist Consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supporting governments and stakeholders across multiple missions between 2018 and 2022. His advisory work has focused on coffee sector policy, sustainability, standards compliance, and value chain strengthening.

Dr. Kimemia has extensive board and governance experience, having served on the boards of the African Fine Coffee Association (AFCA), Kenya Coffee Producers Association (KCPA), Eaagads Ltd, and the Global Coffee Platform (GCP). He is widely published, a frequent speaker at international conferences, and a respected voice in agricultural policy and sustainable commodity development.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Kenya’s coffee industry and agricultural sector, he was awarded by the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in 2006 and the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2011.

Dr. Kimemia holds a PhD in Crop Science and is valued on boards for his strategic insight, governance acumen, and ability to bridge science, policy, and markets in complex agri-food systems.

Director of Marketing | Biodiversity & Conservation Expert
Bamenda, Cameroon

Ms. Neng Delphine Taka is the Director of Marketing at the North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd, a leading coffee cooperative in Cameroon. NWCA brings together over 35,000 large and small-scale farmers in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. She leads brand and business development for NWCA’s flagship KOLA COFFEE and has been instrumental in raising the profile of Cameroon’s coffee heritage at national and international levels. Neng Delphine Taka’s exemplary guidance helped earn NWCA recognition for community impact as the 2024 Community Development Champion. An avid conservationist, she champions coffee growing practices that are regenerative, shade-grown, organic, sustainable and hence mimic natural ecosystems.  

A prolific businesswoman, she is the co-founder of All Aroma Catering Services in Bamenda. All Aroma Catering Services has established itself as the premier catering company in the region & its environs. Through her other venture, as a registered farmer, she focuses on job creation and producing quality crops for industry supply chains. Her decades long experience as a High School Biology teacher contributes to vocational training and youth development. She has been able to organize events & engage stakeholders through - trade shows, producer workshops and promotional participation.   

At the last general assembly of the Cameroon Chapter of the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), she was elected its current president. Neng Delphine Taka is passionate about promoting Cameroonian coffee quality standards and heritage globally, creating sustainable value for producers and communities, building skills and employment through farming and education. Neng Delphine Taka holds a Master of Science degree in Biodiversity Conservation & Management at the University of Bamenda, Cameroon.

Chief Executive Officer, Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Ltd.
Luwinga, Mzuzu, Malawi

Mr. Mackson Ng’ambi is a dynamic finance professional with over 10 years of expertise in accounting, auditing, and financial management. His extensive experience includes financial reporting, internal controls implementation, project management, and strategic business administration.

Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Ltd., Mr. Ng’ambi holds a BSc in Accounting and MSc. in Financial Management. He also acts as a Councilor for the Malawi Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is the Financial Advisor for the Seventh Day Adventist Church, North Malawi Conference. He has played a pivotal role in enhancing financial management practices by training cooperatives and SACCOS in Dwangwa and Mulanje under the UK Shared Interest Programme.

Mr. Ng’ambi’s commitment to professional development extends to training initiatives, having conducted workshops for over 20 accountants on topics including Pastel Accounting Systems, inventory management, financial reporting, and statutory accounts production.

His dedication to advancing the coffee industry and his strategic contributions underscore his role as Chairperson for the Malawi Chapter.

Coffee Value Chain & Development Expert
Bujumbura, Burundi

Mr. François Nkurunziza has got more than 30 years' experience in the coffee value chain. He dedicated his career to advocating for increased specialty coffee exports, building coffee processing capacity, and promoting policy reform in challenging business environments. He leverages a combination of 8 years leading Burundi operations for international coffee exporters Louis Dreyfus Company and Armajaro Trading; 16 years in the public sector including leading coffee washing station (CWS) operations in Kirundo and Muyinga provinces under a public-private ownership model; and 5 years leading strategy development for an array of prominent coffee stakeholders and development projects as consultant. He also worked for TechnoServe as Deputy Chief of Party of Burundi Better coffee Initiative, a coffee value development project funded by USDA.

Commercial Director, COOPADE
Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Mr. Charles Lwanga is a seasoned agricultural leader and the Commercial Director of COOPADE, a rural cooperative based in Butembo, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the cooperative’s commercial strategy and strengthening its position within the regional and international coffee markets.

Under his strategic leadership, COOPADE has grown into a key driver of the region’s coffee sector, increasing export volumes while improving the livelihoods of its members through the promotion of sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices. His work has contributed to enhanced quality standards, market access, and income stability for smallholder farmers.

Mr. Lwanga holds a degree in Political and Administrative Sciences from the University of Goma, a background that has equipped him with a strong understanding of the political, economic, and institutional dynamics influencing agricultural development in the DRC. This knowledge enables him to effectively navigate complex operating environments, identify opportunities for growth, and build resilient cooperative structures.

Through his commitment to sustainability, farmer empowerment, and market-driven innovation, Charles Lwanga continues to play a vital role in advancing COOPADE’s mission and strengthening the coffee value chain in eastern DRC. 

 Chief Executive Officer, Romina PLC
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Michael Girma is an Ethiopian entrepreneur and business leader with more than 18 years of experience in the coffee and agribusiness sector. As CEO of Romina PLC, a second-generation enterprise founded in 1973, he has led its transformation into a leading vertically integrated business group.

His leadership combines operational excellence, sector advocacy, and social responsibility. He has strengthened Ethiopia's position in specialty and commercial coffee markets, advanced farmer capacity, quality systems, and traceability, and promoted inclusive growth through strong CSR programs. Romina has been an active member of the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) since 2018 and has consistently ranked among the top 20 Ethiopian coffee exporters since 2021. The company is supported by dedicated coffee experts focused on innovation and the science of coffee, while promoting regional integration and continental trade, including participation in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) under Ethiopia's AfCFTA framework.

Professional Experience & Key Achievements:

Chief Executive Officer - Romina PLC | 2007-Present

• Transformed Romina into a diversified group spanning coffee, hospitality, FMCG, construction, and real estate
• Established and scaled integrated coffee operations comprising 18 washing stations and 7 dry mill processing facilities across Sidamo, Yirgachefe, Guji, Limmu, and Nekempte
• Developed export and processing infrastructure with a capacity of up to 8 tons per hour
• Ensured more than 50% of stations are C.A.F.E. Practices, Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and AAA/Fair Trade certified
• Expanded exports to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia
• Developed flagship brands: Romina Restaurants, KOBA, Meskott, and Bacio
• Launched Romina Import & Distribution and Jaquar World partnership
• Pioneered Ethiopia's first biodynamic coffee farm in Guji
• Built and led a workforce of 900+ permanent and 2,000+ seasonal employees

Education

• University of Nottingham (2003-2005) - MA, Corporate Strategy and Governance
• Loughborough University (2000-2003) - BA

Head of Traditional Commodities Division,  National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB)
Kigali, Rwanda

Mr. Nkurunziza Alexis holds a Master’s  in Agriculture and Applied Economics from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, with a background in agribusiness.

Currently, Mr. Alexis serves as the Head of the Traditional Commodities Division at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) since August 2020. In this capacity, he oversees the regulation, service provision, and advocacy for four key commodities: coffee, tea, pyrethrum, and essential oils.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Alexis held positions of increasing responsibility at NAEB, including Zone Export Coordinator from August 2014 to June 2019, and Coffee Value Chain Specialist from July 2019 to August 2020. His extensive experience and expertise in agricultural economics and export management contribute significantly to the development and promotion of Rwanda’s agricultural exports.

Managing Director, I & M Smith (Pty) Limited
Ferndale, Randburg, South Africa

Ms. Natasha Wallace is the Managing Director of I & M Smith (Pty) Ltd., a company with a long-standing trading history in southern Africa since 1915.  The company has an established network of suppliers and customers developed through decades of excellent service provision in the specialised field of coffee, tea as well as exclusively South African produced Rooibos and Honeybush. Ms. Wallace is supported by a seasoned management team, specializing in trade, finance, strategic risk management, logistics, organoleptic skills, human resources, sustainability, and information technology.

I & M Smith (Pty) Ltd. is committed to sustainability, being a member of organizations such as Fairtrade®, Rainforest Alliance™, Ecocert Organic, and World Coffee Research. The company also participates as members of Global Coffee Platform (GCP).  The company is a founding member of the Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa.  I & M Smith (Pty) Ltd. is a long standing and supportive member of AFCA, since the association’s inception.

Agribusiness & Trade Executive | Founder & CEO, Blue Axis Logistics Co. Ltd
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 

Ms. Diana A. Fatukubonye is a Tanzanian agribusiness and trade executive with over 15 years of experience in agricultural marketing, export development, logistics, and value chain strengthening. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Axis Logistics Co. Ltd, a company providing end-to-end export coordination and logistics solutions that enable farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses to access sustainable regional and international markets.

Diana previously served as Export Manager at the Tanzania Coffee Board, where she led export strategy, branch operations, and stakeholder coordination, contributing to national coffee marketing and industry development initiatives. She was recognized as Best Employee of the Year in 2015. Her career also includes senior marketing roles at the Cereals and Other Produce Board and advisory work with TechnoServe Tanzania, supporting producer organizations and agribusiness enterprises.

Co-Founder and Agronomic Director, Mount Sunzu Coffee
Mbala, Zambia 

Mr. Fridolin Stocker is Co-Founder and Agronomic Director of Mount Sunzu Coffee, a large-scale specialty coffee producer established in 2020 in northern Zambia. The farm combines commercial coffee production with forest preservation. It introduced improved production technologies and advanced coffee genetics to the region to raise productivity while reducing carbon emissions and water use per unit of output.

He led the project from initial land conversion on a former cattle ranch through full farm establishment. His responsibilities included infrastructure development, operational system design, and workforce development from the first employee to several hundred staff. The operation is a major regional employer and runs an integrated wet mill, dry mill, and commercial coffee nursery alongside coffee production.

Mr. Stocker holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences from ETH Zürich. Prior to co-founding Mount Sunzu Coffee, he worked with the Coffee Agronomy Team at Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), where he focused on data analysis and development of agronomic standard operating procedures for coffee plantations in Laos, Tanzania, and Zambia.

In addition to his farm management role, Mr. Stocker collaborates with private and public sector stakeholders and farmer organizations. He serves as a board member of the Zambia Coffee Growers Association and provides technical consultancy in irrigation, plant nutrition, and coffee production systems.