Jemima Gathumi

Head of Programmes, Capital Markets

Jemima has over 15 years of experience in the development sector in Africa, gained from designing, managing and monitoring large development programmes in various countries on the continent. She believes Africa can contribute significantly to the global economy and sees finance as a key enabler for Africa’s growth and its role globally.

At FSD Africa, Jemima is the Head of Programmes, Capital Markets, leading a team of professionals in developing a coherent programme of work in capital markets. She is responsible for programme strategy, project design, project management and implementation, resource planning, budget management, monitoring and measuring results, risk management, knowledge management and communication to drive the impact of FSD Africa’s capital markets work.

Jemima is also the Lead Coordinator for FSD Africa’s work in Ethiopia. She manages FSD Africa’s relationship with FCDO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other stakeholders in Ethiopia, driving collaboration amongst FSD Africa’s delivery pillars, reporting on the status of the Ethiopia portfolio, identifying strategic opportunities and relationships and identifying and managing emerging country risks. Jemima led the establishment of the FSD Ethiopia entity, launched in May 2022.

Before joining FSD Africa, Jemima was a Senior Manager in KPMG’s International Development Advisory Services practice. She designed and executed development programmes for governments, the private sector, and bilateral, multilateral and philanthropic partners. She managed Africa-focused private sector development programmes in the agricultural and rural finance sectors. Jemima has worked in various African countries and the USA.

Jemima holds an MPhil in Development Finance (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). She also holds various professional certifications in Climate Finance, Agricultural Finance, Digital Economic Development, Results-based Management and Leadership.