Herbital Maluleke

Experience

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  Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa

  Feb 2008 - Jan 2013

  Manager: International Trade Intelligence

  Innovative Problem-Solving & Data Analytics:Manager of International Trade Intelligence at Agricultural Business Chamber, implemented data-driven strategies, enhancing accuracy by 60% and on-time report delivery. Conducted extensive market access research to formulate key market growth and cost reduction recommendations for Agbiz members, presenting findings to Executive Committee. Engaged with regional partners in SADC and EAC on the market and institutional issues regarding food security, early warnings, and preparedness. Remained abreast of market and policy developments and emerging commodities issues, including grain and oilseeds and other critical commodities. Collaborated with USAID Southern Africa Trade hub to perform food security analysis of the SADC region. Supported Agbiz CEO in establishing communications with agricultural value stakeholders. Show less

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  South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

  Jan 2013 - Jul 2014

  Acting Director: Agro-processing Support

  Strategic Planning & Policy Development:As Acting Director & Deputy Director at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF), developed and implemented Agro-processing Sector strategy. Created policies that catalyzed business start-ups by 10%, increased investments by 20%, and disbursed AgriBEE funds via Land Bank.

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  Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA)

  Aug 2014 - Apr 2020

  Agro-processing Sector Specialist: Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

  Cross-Functional Collaboration & Conflict Resolution:Excelled in Senior Sector Specialist role at Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), driving collaboration, and conflict resolution within teams to enhance productivity and workplace morale. Oversaw development of the Nkomazi SEZ designation application, including approval by the National Cabinet. Orchestrated large-scale events with budgets ranging from R2 million to R4 million, ensuring seamless execution. Reported progress to the CEO and the Board of the Mpumalanga Economic Development (MEGA) Show less

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  City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

  Jun 2021 - Dec 2022

  Divisional Head: City of Ekurhuleni Fresh Produce Market and Agriculture Development

  Strategic Leadership & Profit Optimization:Transformed operations as Divisional Head of Agriculture Development and Ekurhuleni Fresh Produce Market, boosting profit margins by 20% within the first year through innovative strategies. Devised inventory management system, reducing waste by 15% and yielding annual savings of over R5 million.

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  Self-employed

  Jan 2023 - Jan 2024

  Director of Agribusiness Development Consultant

  - Conducts viability studies, business plans, proposal generation and applications for funding on behalf of clients.- Undertook projects in various industries, but a key focus area is the agricultural and agro processing industries as well as the fresh produce markets.Conducted market analysis and identify growth opportunities within the agribusiness and rural development landscape.- Cultivated and nurture strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, and industry players.- Oversaw the preparation of comprehensive business proposals, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and objectives.- Stayed abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and policy changes affecting agribusiness and rural development.- Utilized market intelligence to guide decision-making and strategic planning.- Fostered positive relationships with local communities, ensuring that agribusiness and rural development projects are culturally sensitive and socially responsible.-Developed and implement comprehensive export strategies aligned with organizational goals and global market trends. Show less

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  Sabi (O2O Network Limited Nigeria and South Africa)

  Jul 2024 - Jan 2025

  Agribusiness Value Chain Specialist

  •Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance agribusiness value chains in South Africa by identifying optimization opportunities and aligning supply-demand strategies.•Led value chain map development, conducted market research to establish grain and oilseed export linkages, and fostered strong partnerships with aggregators, off-takers, and commercial farmers.•Drove the adoption of sustainable practices and ensured compliance with local and export regulations, enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural commodities in domestic and international markets. Show less

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  Apex Consulting International LLC

  Aug 2024 - now

  Policy Development and Practice Expert

  •Conducted a comprehensive review of policies, acts, and laws for the AfDB-funded SAPZ project in Liberia, enabling the effective implementation of sustainable development programs.•Delivered diagnostics and reform roadmaps to enhance trade policy alignment with regional integration frameworks.•Facilitated stakeholder consultations and validation workshops, fostering collaboration and capacity-building among government and private entities.