Mwende is a highly skilled international development strategist with 15 years of experience in managing complex, multi-million dollar donor-funded initiatives across diverse sectors.

Mwende has experience in the international development sector, specializing in project management, business development, and strategic leadership. Her expertise spans trade, governance, public financial management, and private sector development. Mwende has a proven track record of implementing transformative projects in challenging environments, most notably pioneering customs reforms in Somalia. 

Mwende has led pivotal projects for major international donors including USAID, FCDO, EU, and World Bank. Some of her notable achievements include establishing innovative trade partnerships under the USAID funded Africa Trade and Investment project that led to significant export deals as well as improvement in production capabilities of firms, leading the set up of the first-ever customs automation in Somalia under the FCDO funded Customs Reforms and Trade Enhancement Somalia Project, and a range of business development initiatives. She excels in stakeholder engagement, strategic vision, and delivering exceptional results while developing talent across complex, multi-cultural environments. 

Mwende holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, an MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics, and a BSc in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She brings extensive experience in designing and implementing transformative development programs.