Jacinta previously served as the Association’s Assistant Publicity Secretary and now takes over from Jean Michel Habineza, who has assumed the role of AAASME Country Coordinator for Rwanda.
A seasoned trade expert and consultant, Jacinta brings to the Secretariat a wealth of experience in Tax, Customs, and Regional Integration, coupled with strong public relations and stakeholder engagement expertise. She has already hit the ground running, representing AAASME at the SADC Business Council Industrialization Week in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and at the AfCFTA Secretariat Private Sector Platform, while actively coordinating AAASME’s continental schedules.
Her appointment has been warmly welcomed across the continent, reflecting widespread confidence in her leadership and vision to advance the interests of over 100 million SMEs across Africa.
Jacinta’s leadership journey reflects her commitment to inclusive trade and economic transformation, particularly for women and youth entrepreneurs. In her new role, she is expected to strengthen AAASME’s voice and impact in shaping Africa’s SME ecosystem.
On behalf of the Management, Board, and General Assembly of AAASME, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jacinta Kiruthi and wish her success as she discharges her new responsibilities in service to African SMEs.
