eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Agricultural Finance Corporation Holdings, formerly Agribank, is in the market for a new leadership team that is expected to help the group execute its newly given mandate.
AFCH, which is made up of four subsidiaries: the AFC Commercial Bank, the AFC Land and Development Bank, AFC Insurance and AFC Leasing Company, was restructured so that it can formalise finance for farmers across the full range, from communal land-holders to large commercial farmers.
The new bank is expected to prioritise support to farmers in their operations and not venture too much into non-core activities, according to Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube.
During AFC’s launch, President Mnangagwa said the bank would provide appropriate short-term and long-term financing at concessionary rates for farmers, especially in supporting the agriculture value chain, agro-processing, irrigation and infrastructure development, mechanisation and capacity building of farmers.
“Through the insurance company, farmers must also be able to access affordable financial products and services, targeted at mitigating the effects of global warming and other risks, for resilient and sustainable agricultural production,” he said then.
With regards to mechanisation, the AFC Leasing Company was challenged to expand its branch network, and conduct farming sector specific marketing campaigns for the services and products on offer. The company should embrace homegrown technologies to enhance productivity of farmers.
With such a broad mandate, it seems AFC is now looking for different leadership skills to steer the ship.
Among the top positions being advertised are that of Group Chief Executive Officer, Group Finance Director, Managing Director, Group Company Secretary, and Group Human Resources Director.
According to Proserve Consulting Group, the recruitment company engaged to assist with the recruitment and selection of the CEO, the right candidate must be “a dynamic professional with the ability to drive business performance”. Outstanding leader and visionary required for this critical role,” reads part of the job description.
Key job functions will include ensuring the Group’s business plans, commercial operations and strategies are developed, reviewed, agreed upon and implemented to meet the goals set for growth and profitability.
“Reporting directly to the Board of Directors the incumbent will be responsible for leading the Executive Management of the Group’s businesses consistent with the strategy and commercial objectives agreed by the Board as well as the overall stewardship of the Group including fiscal management, revenue generation, profitability, staff development and operations,” reads part of the job description.
The successful candidate for this Executive position is expected to meet a set criterion which among other things requires at least 15 years experience of which 10 should be at Executive Management level preferably within finance, banking, or agricultural development financing. The candidate must demonstrate sound understanding of the dynamics in the agriculture sector.
