Sandra Uwera

A regional expert in private sector development, with 20 years work experience in Eastern and Southern Africa, and within senior management positions. I currently lead the COMESA Business Council, a regional business member services organization and a recognized private sector institution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). My current roles include governance, strategic, administrative, programs and operations and stakeholder management of the institution. I bring skills and compentences in programs development and management, strategic planning and implementation, multi-stakeholder relationship management, strategic and policy negotiations at regional level, business analytics and development, policy advocacy and private sector development.. Passionate about women empowerment, I have driven projects and programs on gender inclusion within the digital financial services space, and with a keen focus on women economic empowerment in trade, across the COMESA region. I have successfully developed and implemented programs and projects that have increased profitability and sustainability and increased regional ownership and recognition of the CBC, as one of the leading Regional Business Services Organizations in Africa. Well recognized in strong team management and internal stakeholder collaboration skills at Board, management and program levels. Recognized ability to strengthen team productivity within multicultural settings. Other expertise- trade and business policy at both political and private sector level, corporate governance, resource mobilization, fund management, communications, marketing, public relations. Recognized regional and international networks with multiple stakeholders at government, partnership and private sector circles within Sub-Saharan Africa and selected international regions. Self-driven professional, hard worker, ability to work under various limitations and pressure and achieve quality results in record time. A solutions driver with strong leadership skills having successfully managed multi-cultural, diverse teams. A balanced and articulate individual. Excellent customer/client relationship, public presentation skills. Fluent in English French and Kiswahili, and my native language, Kinyarwanda. Seats on the board for ARSO- ECOMARK Africa, Minerals Africa Development Institute - MADI, Women's Economic Empowerment - Financial Inclusion Advisory Council. She is also an Eisenhower and Thomas Mc. Gabe Fellow. As a personal interest, I have recently set up the MWELL Project- with a keen focus area on advocating on Mind wellness as a lifestyle for everyday people in the workplace. I hold an Masters of Science(Msc) in Strategic Planning, advanced professional trainings in International trade policy and law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications.