Laurie Kitch

I am interested in mentoring because I believe the next generation of African agripreneurs will drive the transformation toward sustainable, climate-smart food systems. Over three decades with FAO, the Government of Qatar, and now as Founder & CEO of PICS Global LLC, I have learned that success in agriculture depends not only on technology, but on business models, partnerships, and execution.

I enjoy helping founders strengthen these elements — turning ideas into practical ventures that create value for farmers and markets. My focus areas include post-harvest innovation, agribusiness strategy, market access, cooperative development, and climate-smart value chains.

I mentor because I believe that innovation in agriculture and sustainability grows stronger when experienced leaders stay connected to new ideas and entrepreneurs. Mentoring allows me to give back to the ecosystem that has supported my own career, while also keeping me close to emerging business models and technologies shaping Africa’s agri-food sector.

Through these interactions, I continue to learn, identify promising ventures, and explore opportunities for partnership, advisory engagement, or board participation where my experience can add value. I also see mentoring as a way to strengthen networks for both myself and PICS Global, as we work toward shared goals of agricultural transformation and climate-smart growth.