Hi, I’m
Serge Mushinzimana
Senior Advisor
Ottawa,ON
Summary
A dedicated servant leader with nearly two decades of diverse experience, including over ten years in senior management roles across various sectors such as investment, consulting, real estate, tourism, and telecommunications. Currently, responsible for overseeing partnership development at the University of Ottawa for strategic initiatives for Africa. A dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in private sector development, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship programs in Africa. Entrepreneurial and consultancy work has involved crafting impactful strategies for African governments and international organizations, covering countries including Canada, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Malawi, and Congo-Brazzaville. I am fluent in both English and French. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
21
years of professional experience
5
Languages
Work History
University of Ottawa
Senior Advisor, Africa
9 2023 - Current
Job overview
- Advised the University on strategic partnerships across Africa, focusing on initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and SME development, thereby contributing to job creation and economic growth.
University of Ottawa
Partnership Development Manager
10.2021 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Provided advice on sustainable ways of building mutually beneficial partnerships in Africa and the MENA region, with a focus on enhancing SME development.
ESPartners
SME Specialist Consultant and Business Coach
04.2020 - 11.2023
Job overview
- Provided dedicated support to start-ups and SMEs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding their recovery and enhancing their resilience through tailored strategies and interventions.
Intare Investments
Deputy Managing Director
01.2018 - 04.2020
Job overview
- Grew top-line revenue by 95% and customers served by 70%.
Blue Congo Investment Groupe (BCIG)
Managing Director
06.2015 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Achieved all shareholders' expectations by winning multi-million construction works in Congo-Brazzaville.
Crystal Ventures Limited
Group Chief Marketing Officer
07.2014 - 06.2015
Job overview
- Oversaw sales and marketing activities across the Group, ensuring their products and services reached a wider audience.
Bourbon Coffee
Managing Director
04.2013 - 07.2014
Job overview
- Oversaw the company's financial management, including budgeting, procurement, and cash flow management, with a focus on supporting coffee farmers and enhancing their financial sustainability.
Media System Group (MSG)
Managing Director
06.2012 - 04.2013
Job overview
- Developed and executed business strategies to achieve short and long-term goals.
Crystal Ventures Limited (CVL)
Group Strategy and Development Head
02.2012 - 06.2012
Job overview
- Managed a team of seven business analysts and financial experts in evaluating and overseeing the Group’s investments in corporate, start-ups, and SMEs, ensuring optimal company performance and return on investments.
NtareInsights
Co-Founder and Partner
06.2009 - 12.2010
Job overview
- Led the consulting project for the Rwanda Ministry of Trade and Industry, focusing on SME cluster selection.
MTN Rwanda
Product Development Officer
05.2007 - 05.2009
Job overview
- Developed and launched three products tailored for SMEs (SMEs Office line, SMEs internet packs, and Postpaid SMES voice services) that directly addressed the needs of small and medium enterprises.
OTF Group
Senior Research Analyst
05.2003 - 05.2009
Job overview
- Led the tourism cluster strategy team by conducting surveys, analyzing data, and developing insights specifically for SME and corporate stakeholders in the tourism sector.
MTN Rwanda
Distribution Channel Executive
07.2006 - 04.2007
Job overview
- Managed all MTN franchisee and dealer accounts in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern regions of Rwanda, ensuring that SMEs received tailored support and services to meet their business needs.
MTN Rwanda
Customer Executive Agent
09.2003 - 07.2006
Job overview
- Implemented precise payment processing methods for SMEs, covering cash, debit cards, and checks, ensuring accuracy and validity in financial transactions, thereby supporting the clearance of small and medium enterprises outstanding invoices.
Education
Quantic School of Business and Technology
Executive MBA
University of Rwanda and Coventry University UK
MSc in Communications Management
University of Rwanda
BSc in Business Administration
Skills
Relationship building and management
Volunteering And Affiliations
- The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mentor, Mentor SMEs & Start-Ups in their business plan development and review.
- Rwanda Energy Group, Board Member
- Ruliba Clays Ltd, Board Member
- CVL Developers, Board Chairman
- Global Give Back Circle MasterCard Foundation, Mentor, Support SMEs and Start-Ups through business coaching.
- Hand of Emmanuel, Co-Founder, A Canadian NGO that supports African children access to education and health.
Key Qualifications
- Strategy Design and Implementation
- Regional & International Trade
- Project Development and Implementation
- Finance and Administration
- Sales & Marketing
- Problem Solving
- SME Support
- Business Coaching
Timeline
Partnership Development Manager
University of Ottawa
10.2021 - 09.2023
SME Specialist Consultant and Business Coach
ESPartners
04.2020 - 11.2023
Deputy Managing Director
Intare Investments
01.2018 - 04.2020
Managing Director
Blue Congo Investment Groupe (BCIG)
06.2015 - 03.2016
Group Chief Marketing Officer
Crystal Ventures Limited
07.2014 - 06.2015
Managing Director
Bourbon Coffee
04.2013 - 07.2014
Managing Director
Media System Group (MSG)
06.2012 - 04.2013
Group Strategy and Development Head
Crystal Ventures Limited (CVL)
02.2012 - 06.2012
Co-Founder and Partner
NtareInsights
06.2009 - 12.2010
Product Development Officer
MTN Rwanda
05.2007 - 05.2009
Distribution Channel Executive
MTN Rwanda
07.2006 - 04.2007
Customer Executive Agent
MTN Rwanda
09.2003 - 07.2006
Senior Research Analyst
OTF Group
05.2003 - 05.2009
Quantic School of Business and Technology
Executive MBA
University of Rwanda and Coventry University UK
MSc in Communications Management
University of Rwanda
BSc in Business Administration
Senior Advisor, Africa
University of Ottawa
9 2023 - Current
Similar Profiles
Kelly Marleen SEBAGANJIKelly Marleen SEBAGANJI
Junior Media Relations & Communications Officer at University of OttawaJunior Media Relations & Communications Officer at University of Ottawa
Mikayla LongMikayla Long
Intake Specialist at University of OttawaIntake Specialist at University of Ottawa
Abdu-Rahman BarkhadAbdu-Rahman Barkhad
Mechanical Engineering Intern at University of OttawaMechanical Engineering Intern at University of Ottawa
CARLA LESUEURCARLA LESUEUR
Lead Coordinator, Event Management at University of OttawaLead Coordinator, Event Management at University of Ottawa
PATRICIA CHAMBERLAINPATRICIA CHAMBERLAIN
Turkey Guide at Irish creek outfittersTurkey Guide at Irish creek outfitters