AGN; For those who are unaware, in terms of your role as ‘Commercial Director’, kindly highlight what you do.

LMK; As a Commercial Director, I am responsible for Strategic Planning, Sales and Business Development, Financial Management, Marketing and Branding, Operational Oversight, Team Leadership and Client Relations.

I play a pivotal role in ensuring the company’s success by aligning business operations with market demands, driving revenue growth, and maintaining a competitive edge in the catering industry.

AGN; What are you proudest of in your career?

LMK; I am an agent of change. I am always proud of the team that surrounds me when we develop a better way of doing things.

AGN; Is there a particular aspect of your job that you most enjoy?

LMK; Securing new business opportunities, that’s the best moment.

AGN; How would you describe your leadership style?

LMK; Inspirational, as in inspiring the team while empowering others to achieve their full potential.

AGN; What do you consider to be your principle source of motivation and drive?

LMK; I believe it to be inate. I am a go getter and very much results driven. In terms of the company I work for, it’s revenue growth is an external source of motivation.

AGN; Why did you decide to study for an MBA and why did you choose Mzumbe University as the instituion to study at?

LMK; In order to climb the career ladder, studying for an MBA was a necessity. I chose Mzumbe University since it was the only institution that offered evening classes for MBAs at that time.

AGN; You have held senior roles at numerous companies in Tanzania. What key traits do you feel the workforce in your country tend to exhibit?

LMK; Well, I don’t actually have an opinion on this, but most of us are industrious and diligent.

AGN; According to the African Development Bank, based on growth rates stated for this and next year, real GDP growth in Tanzania is projected to continue rising.

There is an issue of jobless growth in some developing countires where economic growth is not leading to poverty alleviation or a higher standard of living for the majority of the populace.

From your vantage point what can you share about how economic growth is impacting your compatriots across the socioeconomic spectrum?

LMK; More jobs are being created since electricity has become stable. More investors are coming in. Introduction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project will also boost the economy after its completion.

While stable electricity is being impactful across the board, an expanded rail network will also impact my compatriots right across the socioeconomic spectrum.

AGN; Tanzania is comparatively bouyant where touriism is concerned; for those who are undecided, why should they visit?

LMK; I will just highlight a few areas; Serenity in Zanzibar, amazing Serengeti National park, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and of course clubbing in Dar Es salaam

AGN; Which values are most important to you and why?

LMK; Intergrity, intergrity, intergrity. It makes for a holistic existence for both the individual and society as a whole.

AGN; You are happily married with two children. What do enjoy most about family life?

LMK; Support from my wife Gloria, questions from my daughter and the calmness of my son.

AGN; Who is your best friend and why them?

LMK; It would have to be ‘Ramadhan Unguu Sulay’. We discuss issues and more importantly, share common values.

AGN; Where is your favorite place to be?

LMK; Monaco

AGN; What did you mother and father do and what was your upbringing like?

LMK; My Mother is a Devoted Christian and a business lady. My father passed away in 1999. I was raised by my mom.

AGN; Which chore did you most dislike doing as a child?

LMK; Washing the clothes of my sisters and brothers.

AGN; What is favorite dish and why?

LMK; Well I am a cook. That makes it difficult. But yeah I like Liboke ya Malangwa. It’s Congolese Cuisine. I like it because it is healthy and delicious.

AGN; Is there anything you would like to add?

LMK; All things being equal, it pays to work smart and hard.