David Subakanya

About

Agribusiness and sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience in plantation management, corporate governance, and sustainable land management. Successfully pioneered Zambia’s first commercial oil palm plantation, led diverse teams of over 1,400 employees, and implemented ESG-compliant frameworks that bridged corporate growth with community resilience. Expertise spans agribusiness operations, stakeholder engagement, environmental risk management, and strategic planning at both executive and development levels. Key Achievements • Pioneered Zambia’s first commercial oil palm plantation covering 3,800 ha (9 plantings). • Directed management of 1,400 plantation workers while ensuring productivity and welfare. • Implemented stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms strengthening community relations. • Established an oil palm out-grower scheme and promoted local procurement strategies. • Oversaw corporate governance with 12 board meetings, 3 company budgets, and 3 external audits. • Represented company at national trade shows, winning awards under Zampalm/IDC and Barrick Lumwana.

Country

Zambia

City

Lusaka

Industry

Farming

Skill

Stakeholder Engagement, Community Relations, Environmental Risk Management, Occupational Health and Safety , People Management, Business Development, Analytical Skills, Data Analysis, Photography, Government Liaison, Workshop Facilitator, Computer Literate, Project Coordination, Agriculture, Plantation, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Marketing, Participatory Rural Appraisal, Agribusiness

Experience

--

2024-3 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

General Manager

ZAMPALM

2020-4 - 2023-12 · 3 yrs 9 mos

Mpika, Muchinga, Zambia

Plantation Manager - Zampalm

Zambeef Products PLC

2016-10 - 2020-4 · 3 yrs 7 mos

Mpika, Zambia

Management practices of Oil palm Plantation from nursery to CPO production

Agriculture Development Officer

Barrick Lumwana

2012-8 - 2016-9 · 4 yrs 2 mos

Solwezi, Zambia

Implement agricultural support strategy focusing on research and the promotion of innovative and sustainable agriculture development initiatives including training for local farmers in the Lumwana Mine impacted communities. Initiate and support alternative livelihoods that are agricultural based through partnerships interfacing with local communities

Operations Manager - ZAMPALM

Zambeef Products PLC

2010-5 - 2012-8 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Mpika, Zambia

Propagation and Management of oil palm nursery, administration of labour, Staff welfare and Community liaison

Project Manager - ZAMPALM

Zambeef Products PLC

2008-4 - 2010-4 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Mpika, Zambia

Establishment and propagation of Oil palm Nursery for Zampalm Oil palm Plantation. Was pioneer in setting up an oil palm nurseries.

District Agricultural Coordinator

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Zambia

2003-2 - 2008-4 · 5 yrs 3 mos

Kawambwa, Zambia

Coordinating and Management of Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives Programmes and Activities at District level. Implementation of Agricultural inputs support and Food Security Programs. Facilitating linkages and collaboration with private sector, local authority and non-governmental organizations. Preparation of annual work plans and budgets.