#MCM – Tinotenda Mhiko – CEO of ARDA

Our #MCM is Tinotenda Mhiko, the CEO of Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA). As the youngest CEO of State-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe, Mhiko has served as a role model, and influencer leader who creates positive transformation and high impact outcomes in the communities especially those in which ARDA operates.
Since his appointment in March 2021, Mr Mhiko has been working on establishing transformative linkages for sustainable funding, marketing of commodities produced Arda estates and boost production at rural irrigation schemes in line with NDS 1.

Mhiko was named the winner of the 2024 Africa Food Prize in September, receiving a $100,000 award for his groundbreaking leadership and innovation in advancing food security through strategic irrigation initiatives, which is revolutionizing Zimbabwe’s food systems.

Mhiko’s visionary leadership at ARDA has been a driving force in overcoming some of Zimbabwe’s most pressing agricultural challenges, such as recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, and widespread land degradation. His bold and innovative strategies have expanded the area under irrigation from 6,000 hectares in 2016to a projected 15,000 hectares by 2025, positioning ARDA as a model of sustainability and profitability in African agriculture. By upgrading irrigation infrastructure, integrating advanced technologies like drip irrigation and solar-powered systems, and diversifying crop production, Mhiko through ARDA has significantly improved water use efficiency, boosted crop yields, and strengthened resilience to climate change. These achievements have not only enhanced food security but also spurred economic development at a national level.

Under Mhiko’s vision, ARDA has also cultivated a culture of collaboration and innovation, engaging stakeholders and building partnerships with government bodies, private sector players, and international development organizations. His work ilustrates a holistic and adaptive approach to irrigation that addresses technical, economic, and environmental aspects, setting a benchmark for agricultural transformation in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Mhiko is a holder of Bachelor of Technology (Honours) Degree in Post-Harvest Technology, Master of Science Degree in Agronomy Specialising In The Management of Technologies of Production, Processing and Regulation of Agricultural Products, Masters Degree in Business Administration and Doctor of Agricultural Technology Degree (PhD) Majoring in Agri Food Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms (Current Studies), and over 35 international certifications in agricultural digital technologies and business leadership.

The CEO has scooped several other individual and institutional awards and honours in various categories including the 2023 CEO of the year award – CEO Africa Round Table (CEOART), Zimbabwe CEO’s Network 2023 – Platinum Winner Young CEO of the Year and Top Young CEO 2022 – CEO Africa Roundtable 2022 Awards for Top 20 CEOs in Zimbabwe among others.
He also received a Special Recognition Award of Outstanding Contribution to the Growth and Development of the Wheat Value Chain in Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe Wheat Board).