Wayne Cumming is a Zimbabwe-based conservation and business leader with over a decade of experience spanning wildlife conservation, logistics, and business management across Sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, and the Middle East. Since 2022, Wayne has served as the Country Manager of Akashinga, leading the organisation's efforts in empowering local communities and restoring biodiversity in Zimbabwe.
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Before joining Akashinga, Wayne held senior leadership roles in conservation-focused businesses, including serving as General Manager at International Wildlife Consultants in Wales. In this role, Wayne oversaw the management of multiple companies across wildlife conservation, farming, manufacturing, and property management. This included directing high-value conservation consultancy projects for international clients, including royal families in the Middle East, and leading strategic wildlife rewilding initiatives.
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Prior to this, Wayne worked in Zambia as a Project Manager for Southwest Wildlife Investment, where he played a pivotal role in developing sustainable land management strategies and building a safari operation from the ground up. His efforts led to a significant improvement in local wildlife populations and secured critical investment in conservation efforts.
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With a background in business consulting, environmental consulting, and project management, Wayne holds an MBA in International Food and Agri-Business from the Royal Agricultural University and a Bachelor of Commerce in Management from the University of South Africa. Throughout his career, he has successfully bridged the gap between conservation and business, ensuring financially sustainable solutions for protecting wildlife and supporting local livelihoods.
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At Akashinga, Wayne continues to drive a results-focused conservation strategy, working closely with local communities, government authorities, and conservation partners to create long-term solutions for wildlife protection. His expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational leadership ensures that Akashinga remains at the forefront of community-driven conservation efforts in Africa.