Marta is passionate about working in African markets with a vision to foster systemic change through inclusive economic development of the informal sector, streamlined value chains and the use of data and digitalization. She focuses on market systems and business models that foster economic, social, and environmental sustainability through private sector action and research that seeks to improve the livelihoods of those at the bottom of the income pyramid. Marta was a Dean’s list student at her MBA program. She has continued the development of her final project,a model for the socio-economic upliftment of micro and small retailers and increased food security of populations via the streamlining of value chains and the connection of corporate stakeholders with retailers to improve business, economic and human development outcomes. This has recently resulted in the launch of batzai, a sales and business management platform supporting improved business outcomes for small retailers and improved linkages with manufacturers and distributors. An experienced Business Development and Marketing professional with a degree in Anthropology from University College London and an MBA from IE Business School and Brown University Marta has over 15 years private sector experience, 9 of these in Africa where she has worked closely with the informal sector.Marta worked as the Business Development and in-country representative for PepsiCo in Mozambique and subsequently Mozambique and Zambia until October 2022. Responsible for the largest market and portfolio of the cluster Marta delivered top and bottom line growth, strengthened partnerships and business integration with stakeholders and led a successful supply and value chain transformation initiative focused on informal retailers.Prior to that and until 2020 Marta was Regional Brand Manager for AVI, responsible for the design and execution of mid-term and annual Marketing and Communication Strategies for 9 product segments and 25 brands in over 18 Markets. She has worked as a Management Consultant for Taciana Peão Lopes Advogados where she developed the Law Office’s business model. From 2014 until 2016 she was the Marketing Director and main contact with business partners for Sodil Lda, a consumer goods distribution company, in Maputo.