Allessandra Mwase Mafuta

I am a purpose-driven marketing and brand leader with over a decade of experience shaping strategy, leading teams, and delivering campaigns that move the needle across Africa.

I joined Simply Black Malawi as a Media Planner and Buyer, quickly advancing through roles due to my strategic vision and leadership capabilities. Today, I serve as Country Manager, having played a central role in reshaping the agency’s footprint and performance in Malawi and beyond. My work goes beyond borders.

I have led integrated brand campaigns across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Lesotho, helping regional and international brands achieve relevance, resonance, and results. Reporting directly to the Regional Director based in Zambia, I collaborate closely with our Africa-wide network to ensure consistency, creativity, and commercial impact.

Under my leadership, Simply Black Malawi has evolved from a service supplier to a trusted strategic partner, growing local accounts, securing regional business, and earning industry recognition, including ‘Agency of the Year 2024’ and ‘Outdoor of the Year’ for Airtel Malawi. I lead a diverse team of 15 professionals across creative, production, digital, media, and account management, fostering a culture of ownership, performance, and purpose.

My career has spanned financial services, media, and marketing with hands-on experience in digital banking at CDH Bank and in sales and marketing across radio, TV, and print at Times Group. This mix has sharpened my understanding of consumer behavior and brand storytelling across channels.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Marketing), a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing, and a Certificate in Client Relationship Management. I’m currently pursuing my MBA in Marketing with the University of Malawi, strengthening my strategic leadership even further. I lead with focus, collaboration, and heart building brands and teams that stand the test of time.

• Drove MK1.2 Billion in Annual Client Billings Delivered strong commercial growth by leading client retention, upselling, and new business development, turning marketing into a revenue-generating function.
• Won Over MK500 Million in New Business Successfully brought in major clients including Castel, FDH Bank, and Seedco broadening the agency’s reach and impact across key sectors in 24 months.
• Increased Client Spend by 30% Grew existing accounts like Airtel, Illovo, Blue band, and Stasoft through strategic upselling and performance-driven marketing.
• Award-Winning Work Recognised Nationally Led the creative and strategic direction that helped Simply Black win Agency of the Year 2024 and OOH Campaign of the Year with Airtel Malawi.
• Rolled Out Multi-Country Campaigns Across Africa Led execution of Puma Energy Lubricants in 6 countries and the Go Africa campaign in 8, delivering consistent brand messaging and measurable growth.
• Boosted Digital Engagement by Over 50% Drove online growth and visibility for Castel through the 2024 Challenge Cup campaign, and Airtel Top 8 season creating meaningful brand connections with local audiences.
• Linked Marketing Directly to Business KPIs Ensured every campaign supported business goals, driving customer acquisition, boosting market share, and supporting compliance for clients in regulated sectors.
• Built and Led a High-Performance Team Recruited, trained, and developed a team of 12 creatives and media professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and delivery.

• Member, Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Member, Bwalo Initiative for Women Leaders

• Leadership Development Program (Bi-annual) — Simply Black Media | 2022 – Present
• Client Relationship Management Certificate — Unicaf University | 2023
• PlanIt Profit & Loss Management Training — PlanIt Business Solutions | 2023

REFERENCES

Sikota Bones – Simply Black Media
📞 +260 971 194 661 | ✉️sikota.bones@simplyblackmedia.com

Emmanuel Nsabwe – Zodiak Broadcasting
📞 +265 888 527 549 | ✉️emmanuelnsabwe@zodiakmalawi.com

Olive Gondwe – Intercape Limited
📞 +265 888 783 391 | ✉️ogondwe@intercape.co.za