Argus Fertilizer Africa Conference

Joel Laurent

Executive Director, TFRA

Innocent Okuku

CEO & Director General, AFIDA

Dr Innocent Okuku is the Director General and CEO of the Africa Fertiliser Industry Development Association (AFIDA). AFIDA brings together fertiliser industry actors across Africa, including manufacturers, traders, distributors, retailers and national and regional fertiliser industry associations. He has over 35yr of experience in the agricultural industry, including 15yr in the fertiliser industry. His experience covers research, development and commercial positions in both public and private organisations. His previous roles include Vice President and Executive Secretary of the West African Fertiliser Association (WAFA), and Group Head of Commercial Services at Notore Chemical Industries PLC. At Notore, he was responsible for global business development, marketing and sales. He has experience in developing and running public-private partnerships to deploy farm inputs and technologies to increase farm yields across Africa. He holds a doctorate in Crop Production and is an alumnus of London Business School.

Niren Murugan

COO, ETG Africa

Jubilant Speckman

CFO, Foskor

Patrick Heffer

Deputy Director General, IFA

Patrick Heffer joined the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) in Paris in 2002, where he is Senior Director of the Agriculture Service. In this capacity, he coordinates IFA’s global activities relating to fertilizer consumption. In addition, at the regional level, Patrick leads IFA’s Africa programme. More specifically, his duties focus on agronomic, market and policy issues that relate to fertilizer and nutrient management in a global context. Before joining IFA, Patrick spent 15 years with the seed industry, including five years in Switzerland at the joint secretariat of the International Seed Trade Federation and International Association of Plant Breeders (FIS/ASSINSEL), advancing to the position of Deputy Secretary General before his departure, and two years in Rome with the Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He has also worked at GNIS (French parastatal seed organization) in Poitiers, France and at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute in Rabat, Morocco.

Sebastian Nduva

AFO programme lead, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Sebastian is a fertilizer market specialist with a special focus on sub-Saharan African fertilizer market systems. He is currently the AfricaFertilizer.org (AFO) programme lead at the IFDC. The AFO initiative collects, processes and publishes fertilizer-sector statistics for key fertilizer markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

Martin Jacob

Chief Executive Officer, DP World Dar es Salaam

Martin Jacob is the chief executive officer of DP World Dar es Salaam. He leads the transition, growth, operational excellence and digital transformation at one of east Africa’s flagship ports. He has optimised port operations, logistics and supply chains across Africa during his 25-year international career. He has also built high-performing teams, created strong stakeholder partnerships and delivered measurable operational improvements. DP World Dar es Salaam has enhanced its port infrastructure and improved efficiency under his leadership. This has significantly contributed to Tanzania’s trade capacity and national revenue. Martin previously held senior leadership roles with the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group. He was managing director at APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria, and the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne, Nigeria. In these roles, he stabilised operations, expanded infrastructure and improved capacity. He wants DP World Dar es Salaam to become a world-class gateway. This would support regional trade, stimulate economic growth and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a key east African trade hub.

Mari Pennanen

Chief Business Development Officer, APCH (African Ports and Corridors Holdings)

Matchmaking potential port and transport corridor infrastructure projects for capital investment became part of Mari´s portfolio, when she joined couple of years ago APCH. The aim is to connect hinterland demand centres to major ports with world-class multi-modal logistics service providers, promoting sustainability and common user access. However, managing risks on investments are real challenges. Nevertheless, challenges in port and hinterland logistics have been Mari’s interest for two decades, so she is set for upcoming tasks as they come. Previously Mari worked more than 20 years in Tanzania, being part of the team, who built the first purpose build bulk fertilizer terminal in Sub Saharan Africa and set end-to-end terminal service from Dar es Salaam to Zambia using rail. Mari has MSc from University of Helsinki, Finland and several post-graduate studies in different European universities. She recently graduated from highly appreciated Leadership diploma programme with Aalto University at Uongozi institute.

Hilary Disckson Pato

Country Manager, OCP Tanzania Limited

With 17yr of experience in the agriculture and fertiliser industry in east Africa Hilary has supported and implemented commercial, agronomic and business development programmes in the fertiliser and agriculture value chain. These programmes have improved the livelihoods of small- and large-scale farmers, enhanced family income and contributed to regional food sovereignty.

Joseph Mwangangi

Interim CEO, AFAP

Joseph “Joe” Mwangangi is an agricultural business advisor and development specialist with more than 30yr of experience improving agricultural productivity across Africa. He is a founding member and trustee of the Agricultural Markets Development Trust (AGMARK) and has dedicated his career to reducing poverty and food shortages using market-based business solutions. Joe helped develop the Hub-Agrodealer model, which has changed the distribution of yield-enhancing inputs and technologies in eastern and southern Africa for over a decade.
He has led and delivered major agricultural business programmes for development organisations including TechnoServe, CRS, CNFA and AFAP. Beyond his development work, he owns and oversees a family agricultural business in the livestock sector. Joe holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Development from the University of London. He is AFAP's interim CEO and board secretary, and in this role implements strategies to strengthen Africa's agricultural systems and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

Morgan Ahenda

Global Supply Chain Fertilizer Manager, One Acre Fund

Morgan Stephen Ahenda is the Global Supply Chain Fertilizer Manager at One Acre Fund, where he leads fertilizer sourcing, handling, and distribution across pan-African markets. His work focuses on strengthening supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to improve smallholder farmer access to quality inputs. With over a decade of experience in agricultural logistics and supply chain optimization, Morgan has been instrumental in developing systems that directly support more than five million smallholder farmers across Africa. He collaborates with fertilizer manufacturers, industry partners, and governments to enhance regional production capacity, ensure quality assurance, and promote responsible fertilizer use. Through his leadership, One Acre Fund continues to advance its mission of building sustainable and efficient supply chains that empower farmers, reduce environmental impact, and drive agricultural transformation across the continent.

Marie Claire Kalihangabo

Coordinator, Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism , African Development Bank

Marie Claire Kalihangabo is the Coordinator of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, a special fund of the African Development Bank.
She has over 24 years of experience across public, development, and international sectors. She has led high-impact programs in agriculture financing, value chain development, private sector support, and policy reform in Africa.
Under her leadership, the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism mobilized over $37 million and implemented innovative fertilizer financing projects across African countries.
Before leading the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, Marie Claire managed agricultural value chain projects across East and Southern Africa at the International Fertilizer Development Center. Her earlier career roles also include senior management positions in the Government of Rwanda, as well as the justice and academic sectors.
Marie Claire holds an MBA in project management from Maastricht School of Management. She speaks English and French.

Leon Kotze

Head of Agribusiness Africa Regions & Offshore, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank of South Africa

Leon holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He joined Standard Bank Group in 2008 and has since served in various roles across multiple African markets. Leon is currently the Head of Agribusiness for Africa Regions and Offshore, based in Johannesburg. He supports agribusiness operations in 14 African countries within the Business and Commercial Banking segment as an Agricultural Specialist.

Dr. Mshindo Msolla

Head - Agronomy, Minjingu Mines & Fertiliser

Anil Pahilwani

General Manager, Beira Logistics Terminals

The General Manager at Beira Logistics Terminals (BLT), part of the J&J Africa Group, provides complete logistical solutions, including clearance, warehousing, transportation and vessel agency. BLT has three dedicated facilities between Beira and Harare that focus on bulk and containerised movements of fertilisers for both local and transit markets. Anil has been working in the logistics and transport industry for the past 11yr, including in different roles in operations and finance with industry-leading companies.

RB Balaji

Chief Industry Advisor, Global Manufacturing, IFC

Dr RB Balaji leads the IFC's global initiatives to decarbonise manufacturing and ensure the sustainable production of essential goods. He also focuses on advancing manufacturing in Africa. He guides investment teams on business development, due diligence, execution and supervision. He joined the IFC in 2012 after a career in the chemicals industry covering R&D, technology development, licensing, IP management and corporate strategy. He currently focuses on energy efficiency, green hydrogen, resource circularity, fertilisers, climate-smart agriculture, biodegradable chemicals and aligning manufacturing investments with the Paris Agreement. RB holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Akron, an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Madras. He has experience working in four countries and has engaged in business in over 50. He has published research in scientific journals and presented at academic and industry conferences. He also holds many patents for his work on speciality polymer films.

Erik Kok

Board Chairman, DSM Corridor Group (DCG)

Erik Kok is a highly respected port and logistics professional with hands-on experience across more than 90 ports in over 70 countries. His work has focused on East and southern Africa over the past two decades, with deep operational involvement in Dar es Salaam and the region’s key fertiliser corridors.
Erik has played a central role in developing modern bulk handling, port interfaces and integrated transport solutions linking ports, rail, road and inland logistics hubs, as a founding member of the DSM Corridor Group (DCG) and current chairman of the DCG board. He recognised the importance of corridor development in reducing fertiliser logistics costs, improving reliability and strengthening regional food security long before it became a mainstream policy concept.
Erik is known for his strategic foresight and practical insight, and combines high-level comparative analysis with real-world implementation experience. His work consistently links port choice, corridor performance and risk management in the East African region.

Dr. Jonathan Atkinson

Head of Agronomy, Maaden Africa

Dr. Jonathan Atkinson is Head of Agronomy at Maaden Africa. He provides strategic leadership for multi-country agronomy, soil health and digital extension platforms in Southern and east Africa. He has over 20yr of senior leadership experience in agribusiness, applied agricultural research and sustainable development. His work focuses on climate resilience, spatial modelling, crop nutrition and inclusive market systems across the SADC region.

Roy Mwamba

Director & Deputy Group CEO, United Capital Fertilizer

James Mutonyi

East Africa Regional Director & Country Manager, Kenya, AFAP

James Mutonyi is a rural development expert and agricultural specialist with over 20yr of experience in supporting agricultural transformation across Africa. He oversees regional programmes that drive input market development, enterprise growth and sustainable food production for small-scale farmers as AFAP’s East Africa regional director and country manager for Kenya. James has worked with government agencies, private-sector input companies and development institutions to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve farmer access to essential technologies. He previously served as managing director of AGMARK in Kenya, Mozambique and South Sudan, leading major market development initiatives. He has collaborated on projects with IFAD, AGRA, USAID, WFP, FAO and COMESA. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Management from the University of Galilee. He has technical expertise, regional experience and a commitment to strengthening Africa’s agricultural systems.

Rocco Falconer

CEO, Demeter Holdings

Rocco has lived and worked in West Africa since 2008. Before Demeter Holdings, he founded Planting Promise in Sierra Leone, a social enterprise running farms and food processing businesses, and using the profits to fund free schools, which continues to thrive. He has started, managed and exited multiple agricultural businesses in West Africa, and also holds and manages investments in hospitality, tech services and logistics. He oversees operations at Demeter Holdings and its activities across its subsidiaries, drawing on deep experience across most aspects of the agricultural value chain, particularly in West Africa. Rocco has won a Vodafone World of Difference Award, is a Beacon Fellow and was a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.

Asseta Diallo

Senior Specialist, Soil Health and Integrated Management, AGRA

Asséta Diallo is an agricultural economist with over 25 years of experience in the agriculture sector, specializing in agricultural value chains, input market development, and the implementation of soil health technologies across West, East, and Southern Africa.
She has worked extensively with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), where she contributed to the development of agricultural clusters around value chains and supported the harmonization of fertilizer regulations under ECOWAS. Her work has focused on strengthening fertilizer systems—both organic and mineral—by promoting sustainable input delivery mechanisms for smallholder farmers and advancing soil health and fertilizer-related policy reforms across Africa.
Dr. Diallo currently serves as Senior Specialist, Soil Health and Integrated Soil Fertility Management within the Climate Adaptation, Sustainable Agriculture, and Resilience Directorate at AGRA. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and is the author and co-author of several publications on agricultural development and soil management in Africa.

Joel Meliyo (PHD)

Deputy Managing Director, ITRACOM Fertilizers

Sheriff Munavar

Advisor, ESSA

Killian Banda

Director, Market Intelligence, AFAP

Killian Banda is experienced in agricultural policy, agribusiness development, value chain management and inclusive market development. He joined AFAP in May 2015 and has since managed and implemented a few policy-related projects. Killian has a strong background in agricultural economics and has worked in the public and private sectors, as well as for non-governmental organisations across sub-Saharan Africa. He has experience with agricultural projects in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.
Killian has co-authored two book chapters on agricultural policy and inclusive businesses in agriculture. He is currently a PhD candidate in Agricultural Economics at the University of Pretoria. Killian holds a BSc (Honours) and an MSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Pretoria, respectively. He brings skills in policy formulation, agribusiness development and inclusive market development to the AFAP team.

Nicholus Obby Mainza

Chief Agriculture Economist - Trade and Agribusiness , Ministry of Agriculture- Zambia

Nicholas Obby Mainza (Ph.D, MSc, MBA, PGD, BSc) is Chief Agriculture Economist - Trade and Agribusiness for the Ministry of Agriculture, in Zambia and current National Secretary for the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ). He has served both in public and private sectors, with some time spent as a lecturer with some Universities and Colleges. Nicholas is an active TV discussant with international television stations on issues surrounding African economies and Agri-Food systems of Africa and he is an Author of the book "I SEE GOLD WHERE OTHERS SEE DUST".

Bede Heren

Editor, Africa Fertilizer, Argus

Bede Heren is responsible for Argus’ fertilizer and sulphur market coverage in Africa. He has worked in the fertilizer industry for more than a decade, both as a market reporter and as a trader.

Oliver Hatfield

VP Fertilizers, Argus

Oliver Hatfield is the VP of Fertilizers for Argus Media in London. Oliver joined Argus in October 2018 following its acquisition of Integer Research, where he was head of the fertilizer market research team and one of the company’s founders. He has more than 20 years of experience in business analysis and consulting.

Oliver is currently leading business development across Argus’ global nitrogen, phosphates and potash businesses, and driving the development of the company’s business in clean ammonia and specialty fertilizers. He is a regular speaker at industry events and is a graduate of economics and development economics from the University of Manchester in the UK.