DR. Chris Muyunda: A Visionary Who Helped Shape Africa’s Agribusiness and Acceleration Business Incubation Journey – Rest in Peace, Our brother

Text by: Kadlah Nabakembo | Kampala, Uganda – July 09, 2026

Some leaders leave footprints, others build the roads upon which future generations will walk.

Dr. Chris Muyunda belonged to the latter.

Across Africa’s business incubation and acceleration landscape, Dr. Muyunda will be remembered as a visionary strategist, an institution builder and a steadfast believer in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives.

His passing marks the loss of an exceptional African leader whose influence stretched far beyond the borders of Zambia. Through his service to the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN), he became one of the architects of a continental movement dedicated to strengthening business incubation and acceleration for inclusive economic development targeting youth and women in Africa

As AAIN’s Advisory Panel Member representing Southern Africa, Dr. Muyunda generously shared his expertise, wisdom and strategic insight. He served on the Technical Working Committee member and played a significant role in shaping AAIN’s first Strategic Plans, helping establish a strong institutional foundation for the organization’s future.

His leadership was particularly evident during the strategic planning sessions held in Sousse, Tunisia at AAICE 2025, where he helped develop what has since become known as the Sousse Road Map. This ten-year strategic vision continues to guide AAIN’s growth across the continent.

The late Dr. Chris Muyunda delivering a keynote address during the African Agribusiness Incubation Conference and Expo (AAICE) 2025 in Tunisia, where he shared strategic insights on advancing agribusiness incubation and enterprise acceleration across Africa.

Before the AAICE 2025 conference had ended, his thoughts remained focused on the future. In a message to AAIN Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Alex Ariho, he wrote:

“We should have a session in Tunis about potential new sources of long-term funding for business incubation and pursue them vigorously.”

Those few words reflected the essence of the man: always thinking ahead, always searching for sustainable solutions, and always committed to ensuring that African institutions would flourish long into the future.

Beyond strategy, Dr. Muyunda believed deeply in collaboration. As a founding member of the African Business Club initiated by AAIN and a Board Member of AgBIT, he championed partnerships that connected innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and institutions across Africa.

His legacy lives not only in documents and strategies but also in the countless professionals he mentored, the institutions he strengthened and the vision he helped create.

The late Dr. Chris Muyunda (3rd from the Left) standing alongside fellow strategic leaders during the African Agribusiness Incubation Conference and Expo (AAICE) 2025 in Tunisia, where they collectively advanced the vision for a stronger and more collaborative business incubation ecosystem across Africa.

Those who worked alongside him remember a calm leader, an insightful advisor and a generous colleague whose wisdom was matched by humility.

Beyond strategy, Dr. Muyunda believed deeply in collaboration and youth empowerment. As a founding member of the African Business Club initiated by AAIN and a Board Member of AgBIT, he championed partnerships that connected innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and institutions across Africa.

His passion for agribusiness incubation extended far beyond Zambia. He was a tireless advocate for building vibrant incubation ecosystems across the African continent, believing that young entrepreneurs deserved not only training but also access to finance, markets, mentorship and the networks necessary to transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The late Dr. Chris Muyunda sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience in business incubation and acceleration with AAIN associates and staff, reflecting his unwavering commitment to mentorship and capacity building.

His dedication was clearly demonstrated at the African Agribusiness Incubation Conference and Expo (AAICE) 2024, hosted by Musika in Zambia, where he has been serving as a vice- chair board. His leadership and commitment were instrumental to the conference’s success. Through his guidance and unwavering support, the event strengthened continental collaboration and reaffirmed the importance of business incubation as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation.

Reflecting on his contribution, James Natweta Baguma, Skilling and Community Engagement Specialist and BIM Academy Manager at AAIN, shared:

Dr. Chris Muyunda was deeply passionate about agribusiness incubation, not only for Zambia but for the entire African continent. He dedicated himself to empowering young people by creating opportunities for access to finance, markets and mentorship. His contribution to the success of the African Agribusiness Incubation Conference and Expo 2024 in Zambia will remain part of his enduring legacy. We shall forever miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Prof. Alex Ariho, Chief Executive Officer of AAIN, reflects:

Dr. Chris Muyunda believed that Africa’s future would be built by strong institutions working together. His counsel was always thoughtful, his commitment unwavering and his friendship invaluable. We have lost a visionary whose legacy will continue to shape AAIN for generations.

Ms. Njambulo Zwane, Senior Board Member from South Africa, remembers:

Chris brought clarity to every conversation and purpose to every strategy. He believed in collective leadership and reminded us that the future of African business incubation depended on collaboration rather than competition.

From left to right: Prof. Alex Ariho, Dr. Janet Edeme, and the late Dr. Chris Muyunda after a strategic leadership meeting where they provided strategic leadership and guidance for advancing agribusiness incubation and acceleration across Africa.

Prof. Henry Bwiza shares:

Dr. Muyunda combined intellectual excellence with uncommon humility. His ability to connect strategy with practical action made him one of the continent’s most respected voices in business incubation.

Among AAIN’s management and staff, his influence was equally profound.

Bosco Gumisiriza, Head of Human Resources and Compliance, says:

“Dr. Muyunda demonstrated that leadership is measured by service. His integrity, professionalism and willingness to mentor others set a standard that will continue to inspire AAIN.”

Richard Ekodeu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, says:

“His presence will be missed, his absence will be felt. Every milestone we achieve will carry a part of his vision.”

Phiona Katushabe – Gender and Safeguarding Officer notes:

“He believed in empowering young people and strengthening institutions. His encouragement and guidance inspired many of us to think beyond today’s challenges and work towards Africa’s long-term transformation.”

While Dr. Chris Muyunda may no longer walk among us, the institutions he strengthened, the strategies he helped craft and the people he inspired will continue carrying his vision forward.

His legacy reminds us that true leadership is not measured by titles, but by the lives transformed and the future made possible for others. 

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.