Tanzania's horticulture sector is thriving, demonstrating impressive growth and solidifying its importance in the global agricultural arena. With well-developed value chains in vegetables, fruits, flowers, and spices, the sector plays a vital role in boosting the economy, enhancing export revenues, and generating employment. Thanks to strategic innovations and increased investments, Tanzania's horticulture is meeting domestic needs while also expanding its presence in global markets, signaling a promising future. A key figure in shaping this future is Jacqueline Mkindi.

Jacqueline Mkindi is a transformative leader at the helm of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), where she serves as the CEO. With a dynamic career spanning over two decades, Jacqueline has been instrumental in revolutionizing Tanzania's horticulture sector, turning it into one of the fastest-growing sub-sectors in the country's agricultural landscape. Her leadership has not only propelled TAHA to become the most influential agricultural organization in Tanzania but has also positioned the horticulture industry at the forefront of the nation's agricultural transformation agenda.

Below is an excerpt of Jacqueline Mkindi’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

Growing up in a family of educators, I was deeply influenced by my parents, both teachers, who instilled in me a love for learning and a strong sense of purpose. As a young girl living in a school compound, I admired the determination and success of the students, particularly the young women who excelled in academics and sports. They became my role models, inspiring me to work hard and pursue my own dreams. When my father passed away at a young age, I watched my mother struggle to provide for our family, which fueled my determination to succeed and support her and my siblings. These early experiences shaped my character, instilling resilience and a commitment to achieving my goals.

"Success and happiness are within you. Stay focused, determined, work hard, & nurture relationships. You are the driver of your destiny"

Give us a glimpse of your expansive professional journey in the field of agriculture over the years. What have been some of the most crucial junctures throughout this journey?

My journey in agriculture began with a strong academic foundation at Sokoine University of Agriculture, where I graduated with distinction. Although I initially worked as a tutorial assistant, my passion for business led me to leave academia and join my husband's family cattle production and export business. It was here that I discovered the immense potential of the horticulture industry in Tanzania, which inspired me to shift focus. A pivotal moment was when the Dutch Embassy consulted me to help establish the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). As CEO of TAHA, my critical challenges were aligning with government policies, mobilizing resources, and building a strong team, all of which were crucial in transforming TAHA into East Africa's leading private sector organization.

Introduce us to TAHA. What are the major roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the CEO of TAHA?

TAHA is an APEX private sector organization dedicated to advancing and transforming the horticulture industry in Tanzania. We focus on five key value chains: flowers, vegetables, fruits, roots & tubers, and spices & herbs. Our primary role is to create a conducive business environment for the sector, develop capacities to ensure adherence to global standards and unlock market opportunities to enhance competitiveness. As CEO, I am the vision bearer, responsible for overseeing group operations, strategic planning, team development, and resource mobilization. My goal is to lead TAHA in fulfilling its mission to drive sustainable growth in the horticulture industry.

Throw some light on the major challenges you encounter in your current role. How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

In my current role, the major challenges include finding the right talent, securing sufficient resources, and navigating external factors like policy changes. Overcoming these hurdles requires strategic approaches. I focus on headhunting to identify skilled individuals who fit our needs and collaborate with professional organizations for recruitment. Resource mobilization hinges on demonstrating impactful results, which attract donor support. To manage policy shifts, I’ve built a strong policy and advocacy team to proactively address these issues. Personally, I’m continuously learning to manage time effectively and delegate responsibilities to ensure smooth operations across all fronts.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

Reflecting on my professional journey, two significant achievements stand out. First, I’ve played a key role in transforming Tanzania’s horticulture industry from its infancy into the fastest-growing agriculture subsector, now central to our nation's agricultural transformation agenda. Second, I've built a powerful, trusted organization - now the largest in Tanzania's agriculture sector, that not only drives industry growth but also creates employment opportunities. Through my leadership, we've empowered countless women and youth, helping them support their families and contribute to our nation's progress. These accomplishments, impacting both the industry and lives, are what I consider my biggest wins.

Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO, Tanzania Horticultural Association

Jacqueline Mkindi, holding an MBA in Corporate Manage­ment, has transformed the horticulture sector as CEO of the Tanzania Horticultural Association. Her visionary leadership has spurred industry growth, bolstered economic contribu­tions, and expanded market opportunities, positioning the sector as a dynamic force in agriculture and a key player on the global stage.

Awards & Recognitions Won So Far:

• Recognized Twice on Tanzania's Top 100 Executives Leaders List 2021 and 2023

• Honorary Doctorate in Agribusiness and Enterprises Development,

• Woman of Impact Award: Agribusiness

• Agriculture Woman of The Year Award

• East Africa Woman Leaders: Woman Leadership Award