The Journey Begins - My Week One

Dear folks   

This week, Johnson (Kiragu) and I are joining the Uganda team to get some exposure to PFS’s work in the Pearl of Africa. I am looking forward to engaging with Robert and the team here to improve my understanding of the opportunities, the challenges and the risks we have to manage in Uganda. 

My first week with PFS Team Kenya, was amazing. I had the opportunity to get a sectoral PESTEL and portfolio overview from Johnson and his team. What struck me most were the real challenges and opportunities confronting the companies in the milling, dairy, horticulture and tree nut sectors. I was encouraged by the deep local knowledge our team has and the interventions we have coordinated in response to the HPCs needs - enabled by our partner company volunteers.  

The one-on-ones with all the staff were enriching, especially the clear sense of mission and passion every one of them exuded. I plan to continue to build relationships with all our Kenya colleagues, as a thought partner, cheer leader and vision casting champion. The walk at Karura to end the week was an amazing opportunity for us to connect and continue to build an impactful agenda for Kenya and the region. 

Let me also share some reflections on the two companies I had the opportunity to visit , Crofts and SoyAfric. In both instances, I was encouraged to encounter entrepreneurs who are navigating the twin companions of most businesses, opportunity (new markets, new products, improved systems) and challenges (raw material supply risks, quality and process issues, working capital and equipment finance, governance and succession challenges) - with confidence and assurance. The PFS DNA was unmissable in both instances. So, well done to the team for good client selection, project/service identification, volunteer assignment and management. The impact these businesses are making in terms of smallholder sourcing (collectively over 50,000 producers) and the quality consumer and industrial food products they are placing on the market is commendable. Totally inspiring! 

Even more inspiring were the partner conversations with the Argidius Foundation and the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) - invaluable collaborators for our work in East Africa with huge continental potential ! 

 Let’s see what Uganda has in store! 

Mandla 

From Nairobi 

07 July 2024