Desmond Kaledzi is a seasoned Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Specialist and is currently engaged with CapitalPlus on the FIRST+II Program. Desmond has over a decade of experience in agribusiness, financial management, policy development, and project evaluation. He has an extensive background in designing and implementing MEL frameworks, theory of change, evidence and gap maps, conducting impact assessments, and applying evidence-based decision-making approaches to enhance policy effectiveness and project sustainability.

His expertise spans across agricultural value chain financing, rural development, financial sector analysis, institutional capacity-building, financial inclusion strategies, climate change adaptation strategies, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive governance. Desmond has collaborated with international development organizations, government institutions, and financial entities, providing data-driven insights that inform strategic initiatives and drive development impact. He has collaborated on projects funded by organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Hewlett Foundation, Science for Africa Foundation, United States African Development Foundation, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Union, and USAID.

With a strong analytical mindset and expertise in financial modeling, Desmond is dedicated to leveraging research and evaluation methodologies to improve socio-economic outcomes in Africa and beyond.