Dirk Esterhuizen Email & Phone Number

• Gathers data, analyzes, forecast and reports on large and complex segments of the Southern Africa agricultural economy, including, grain, oilseeds, sugar, livestock, dairy and biotechnology. • Serves as an experienced principal advisor and analyst to the Agricultural Counselor and staff at a post where agricultural production and trade are critical to U.S./South Africa relations. • Also serves as an experienced senior advisor in planning, organizing and monitoring an annual program of activities designed to achieve maximum market access and commercial exposure of US agricultural products in the ten countries of coverage in the SADC region.• Develop and maintains contacts with senior local government officials and high-level private sector representatives in the agricultural sector of South Africa and act as the principal contact between the office of Agricultural Affairs and the farming and agribusiness community in South Africa.

• The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a Development Finance Institution (DFI). It was established in 1940 to promote economic growth and industrial development in South and southern Africa. Duties include:• To assess, independently or as a team member, the desktop viability of finance applications.• To effectively conduct due diligence as a member of the team, responsible for at least one of the disciplines relating to financial, marketing and technical.• To effectively manage the client portfolio.• To provide input towards, prepare and present reports to management.• To demonstrate effective team dynamics and team co-operation.• To share knowledge by coaching SBU members (and others as requested) as well as clearing tasks related to areas of expertise.• To effectively maintain and build current and potential client relationships in order to build the client portfolio.• To establish and maintain effective networks in order to source business, forge industry links and build IDC brand awareness.

A management position was held at the Agricultural Business Chamber (ABC) in Pretoria. The ABC represents businesses that are directly involved in the agricultural sector of South Africa. Members include agricultural companies, agricultural co-operatives, agricultural divisions of commercial banks and other agricultural business enterprises and organizations. The ABC participate actively in forums that debate aspects that influence the environment in which these businesses must operates. Member participation in and ownership of the processes forms the basis of the ABC's participation in these forums. The aim of these actions is to contribute to improved competitiveness, sustainable performance, job creation and food security. Duties included: • The development of economic intelligence for the members through research; • Representing the agribusiness sector at local and international forums, conferences and meetings; • The management of specific projects;• Liaison with the media;• Liaison with members;• Financial management;• General office and administration duties.

Master'S Degree, Agricultural Development Economics

Phd, Agricultural Economics