As national coordinator, Ernest is charged with managing the ZBIDF operations and business development. The current focus is on supporting and controlling the development of partnerships in three sectors, namely manufacturing, agriculture, and extractive. Ernest is also responsible for developing a conducive partnering culture in Zambia through various ways among which include (i) facilitating partnership training, and the exchange of knowledge and experience, (ii) raising awareness and building motivation around the role of business in development and the potential of partnership to achieve business and development goals; and, (iii) creating opportunities for dialogue and partnership co-creation, including innovation spaces and matchmaking services. Ernest has over 23 years' experience working in donor and government environments focused mainly on economic development and empowerment programmes, having served in organisations that include USAID, Land O Lakes International Development, Zambia Cooperative Federation, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission, the Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Associations, and the Village Industry Service. He holds an MBA from Edith Cowan University and a bachelor's degree in Development Studies and Economics from the University of Zambia. He is looking forward to further his appreciation of shared value through additional study at PhD level.
