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T H E D I G I T A L D I P L O M A T

After reflecting on my experiences and observations in economic development and entrepreneurship, I have developed a foundational economic doctrine I call the Triangular Trade of Transactions Theory. While still evolving, this framework encapsulates my belief that economic growth at the citizen level is driven by the interplay of three critical dynamics: People, Policies, and Processes. These interconnected elements form the cornerstone of resilient and transformative economic ecosystems.

Engage and Mobilize People is the first pillar of this theory. It posits that progress begins with effectively engaging individuals to cultivate trust, interest, and a sense of belonging around a shared idea or cause. Once engaged, the next step is mobilization—turning collective interest into concrete actions that drive meaningful progress. This dual approach fosters sustainable change and ensures the impact is deeply rooted in the community or organization.

The second pillar, Adapt and Influence Policies, underscores the importance of understanding and navigating the regulatory environment. Adapting policies means working effectively within existing frameworks, while influencing policies is about advocating for change to create more inclusive and effective systems. This dual strategy is critical for citizens, entrepreneurs, and advocates to thrive and drive equitable development in their operating environments.

Finally, Implement and Recreate Processes emphasizes creating structured systems to achieve goals and revisiting those systems to innovate and adapt as challenges arise. This pillar highlights the need for efficiency and continuous improvement to sustain growth and deliver transformative outcomes.

At its core, the Triangular Trade of Transactions Theory illustrates that the synergy between People, Policies, and Processes empowers individuals and organizations to foster innovation, resilience, and economic growth. By understanding and leveraging these dynamics, citizens can become architects of sustainable development, driving purposeful change from the ground up.

As part of my doctoral dissertation, I will be developing and elaborating on this theory further, exploring its applications and implications in greater depth to provide a more robust framework for driving economic development from a citizen’s perspective.

This week marks 7 years since our momee (grandmother) transitioned to be with the Lord, but I feel closer to her now more than ever.

Growing up, she told us stories of her farming her land. Born in New Jersey, but raised in Ghana for a few years at a young age, I didn’t really know what that meant. I’ve lived in the suburbs and city all my life. We knew momee had a green thumb because she had plants all around her house — inside and out. But it was her stories that brought to life the secrets held in those plants. And these 20 Zimbabwean women that brought plants to my life.

Visiting an insect farm at Chinoyi University Farms

She once told us of a story about giving birth in the house and going back out to farm her land right after to prepare food for the family. As a mother of three, I can only imagine the strength she embodied.

It’s the same strength I witnessed earlier this month in the eyes of 20 Zimbabwean rural-based women farmers as part of a fully funded U.S. Embassy grant to run a program we proposed titled Advancing Women in Agriculture Through Technology.

20 women were selected out of more than 300 applicants to complete a program titled Advancing Women in Agriculture through Technology

With each conversation, each session taught on technology and business development, each dance and laughter as we shared stories of our families and businesses, I began to fully visualize all that my momee had been transferring to me since I was a child.

I never knew back then that I would launch a tech company and food manufacturing company focused on producing whole foods made from mushrooms, but perhaps momee did.

She taught me early on the importance of sourcing food, farm to table, and how it impacts lives around the world.

Honestly, when I arrived in Zimbabwe, I was excited but depleted. Between raising three children and navigating the growth at The VGC Group and scale at The Mushroom Angel, all while managing a married life, self-care and mental health, I didn’t have much to give.

But in this case, showing up was the giver. Sometimes in life, it takes just showing up, irrespective of how you feel. That is where the power to live lies.

Momee showed up for me and as a result I showed up for the women farmers turned agribusiness entrepreneurs so that they too can show up for their families and communities.

A special thank you to our partners for helping to bring this vision to reality: U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe, Strategically Positioning Lives in Technology (SPLiT), Women in Agriculture (WAU).

I am back home with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to break through to the next level of impact through the food productions of mushrooms.

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