Kenya office
James Mwai, Acting Executive Director
James is in charge of the successful integration of Fairtrade Africa with Fairtrade International’s Producer Services and Relations (PSR) department into a strong, efficient producer-facing support unit. James also works with the Fairtrade Africa Board to develop and manage the strategic direction of the organisation.
Veronique Verlinden, Communications Specialist
Veronique is in charge of communications at Fairtrade Africa. She carries the overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the organisation’s communications strategy. She supports the regional networks and coordinates with member organisations and other stakeholders in and out of the Fairtrade movement.
Sanga Massawe, Finance Officer
As Finance Officer, Sanga’s duty has been to manage Fairtrade Africa funds to ensure their optimum utilisation and their procurement in a manner that risk, cost and control considerations are properly balanced. Sanga plays a key role in forecasting and planning for Fairtrade Africa resources and their utilisation, financial and investment decisions, cash management and evaluating the financial performance of the organisation.
Nancy Kiama, Administrative Officer
Nancy handles human resources duties for Fairtrade Africa. These include recruitment, staffing, performance management system supervision, staff orientation, development and training. She is also in charge of initiating and coordinating clerical functions required in effective implementation of administrative policies at Fairtrade Africa.
Wangeci Gitata, Fundraising & Partnerships Manager
Wangeci is responsible for raising funds for Fairtrade Africa and is tasked with fostering strategic partnerships for the secretariat at the regional and international level. She is accountable for the overall management of grant funding initiatives, concept note writing and engagement with Fairtrade Africa’s funders and stakeholders. She coordinates her role with that of the Global Fundraising Team of the Fairtrade movement.
Rachel Wandia, Market Development Manager
Rachel is in charge of market development at Fairtrade Africa. She carries the overall responsibility of developing the Fairtrade movement and market within Eastern Africa. She is in charge of promoting the Fairtrade brand with consumers, working with local producers to grow and develop the portfolio of Fairtrade labeled products, and increasing the sales of these products within the region.
Marion Nduta Ng’ang’a, Regional Coordinator Eastern Africa
As the Regional coordinator for Eastern Africa, Marion implements Fairtrade Africa strategy in the region. She is the lead person in developing and coordinating Eastern Africa regional specific programmes. She is in constant communication with producer organizations and relevant partners to ensure maximum participation of producers in the Fairtrade system.
Gonzaga Mungai, Gold Network Coordinator
Gonzaga Mungai is the Network Coordinator for the Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold Project. His role is to manage input from the project, work closely with all project stakeholders to ensure learning, and establish an active network of small-scale artisanal miners in Africa—a project put together by Fairtrade Africa and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).
Catharine Russell, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager (M&E)
Catharine Russell is in charge of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). As M&E manager, Catharine is responsible for the development and implementation of knowledge and learning systems within Fairtrade Africa, as well as impact work assessment relative to internal and external goals. She is also in charge of engaging staff in all data analyses.
South Africa office
Benjamin Cousin, Acting Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa
Benjamin works for Fairtrade International’s Producer Services and Relations department for the southern African and Indian Ocean regions. He ensures follow-up and flow of information with regard to Fairtrade’s Producer Organisation’s certification and development. Currently, he is also the contact point for Fairtrade Africa in the region.
Ghana office
Kwame Banson, Regional Coordinator West Africa
As the Regional coordinator for Western Africa, Kwame implements Fairtrade Africa strategy in the region. He is the lead person in developing and coordinating Western Africa regional specific programmes. He is in constant communication with producer organisations and relevant partners to ensure maximum participation of producers in the Fairtrade system.
Kafui Djonou, Standards and Certification Manager
Kafui Djonou is the Standards and Certification Manager. She is responsible for managing standards projects relating to the African region. She supports Fairtrade International’s Standards Unit to develop and revise Fairtrade minimum prices, develop methodological improvements to FLO’s price setting processes and premium.
Caitlin Peeling, Cocoa Manager
Caitlin Peeling is the Cocoa Manager. She has a long-standing background in Fairtrade cocoa from her work at La Siembra Co-operative, a Fairtrade certified importer and licensee in Canada. She was most recently responsible for the management of La Siembra’s Sales and Distribution Department; her experience includes community outreach, Fairtrade certification, and producer relations.