Hapson Mushoriwa, a Zimbabwean plant breeder with over 20 years of experience, holds a PhD in Plant Breeding from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe. His career spans both public and private sectors, including roles at the Crop Breeding Institute, Seed Co, and Pannar Seed, where he developed and commercialized six soybean varieties widely adopted across sub-Saharan Africa. He later joined ICRISAT as Regional Breeding Theme Lead, coordinating R4D activities and leading breeding and seed systems for Eastern and Southern Africa, contributing significantly to institutional modernization. Since November 2023, he has served as Head of Breeding at IITA, leading efforts to develop high-impact crop varieties with at least 25% performance gains in line with strategic priorities. Dr. Mushoriwa has a strong track record in resource mobilization, contributing to major funded initiatives such as AVISA and multiple bridge grants, while also coordinating the Breeding for Tomorrow program. He is recognized for building strategic partnerships, mentoring scientists, and contributing to scientific research, and remains actively engaged in advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation through innovation and collaboration.