Josephine Songa, Ph.D

Dr. Josephine Songa is a seasoned expert in food systems, policy, and institutional capacity-building, with extensive experience in agriculture, trade, and market systems across Africa. As Board Secretary at Kaizen Top Mark, she also has an executive role of providing oversight of all activities undertaken by the company, and additionally leads strategic initiatives on policy and  regulatory frameworks, promotion of  sustainable trade, and strengthening of institutional governance for agricultural transformation.

With a strong background in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, Dr. Songa has successfully influenced key policy reforms and fostered public-private partnerships to advance food and nutrition security. She has managed over 20 agricultural projects spanning 21 African countries, contributing to over 100 publications that inform agricultural transformation.

Prior to Kaizen Top Mark, Dr. Songa served as the Director of Policy and Institutional Capacity Building at RTI International, where she played a pivotal role in shaping over 90 policy instruments at both national and county levels in Kenya. Her leadership in market systems development and institutional reform has been instrumental in driving impactful advocacy wins and sustainable policy interventions. Dr. Songa is an accomplished leader, having managed multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and institutional contracts to drive effective governance and policy implementation. She has also provided strategic oversight in institutional capacity assessments and strengthening efforts, ensuring inclusive and resilient agricultural policies.

Beyond her programme leadership, Dr. Songa has served in key committees such as Investment Committee Member of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), and on boards of key organizations including the Kenya Sugar Research Foundation (KESREF), Pesticides Control Products Board (PCPB), and goodStory.  Dr. Songa has a passion for food systems, nutrition, enabling policy and institutional environments that contribute to green growth, and inclusive development, particularly for women and youth.