Remembering Emanuely Deodath Lyimo: SAGCOT Celebrates the Legacy of a Visionary Leader and Compassionate Friend

Dar es Salaam:

Dec 1984 – Sept 15, 2024

The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has honoured the life and legacy of Emanuely Deodath Lyimo, a leader whose vision, passion, and dedication left an indelible mark on Tanzania’s agricultural landscape. Since joining SAGCOT in October 2014, Emanuely’s remarkable journey stood as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a deep commitment to empowering others.

Despite his young age, Emanuely swiftly proved himself a capable and strategic leader. Entrusted with significant responsibilities typically reserved for more seasoned professionals, he took on the challenge of shaping and driving key policy initiatives under the direct supervision of SAGCOT CEO Geoffrey Kirenga. His ability to manage complex agricultural challenges quickly became apparent, earning him the respect of his peers and mentors alike.

Transformational Contributions

Emanuely’s role at SAGCOT saw him engage with over 60 agricultural companies, both domestic and international, helping identify challenges and unlock opportunities for growth across the sector. Through tireless advocacy and coordination, he facilitated high-level discussions between government officials and private sector stakeholders, bridging gaps and ensuring that SAGCOT’s vision aligned with national agricultural priorities.

Among his most notable achievements was his leadership in advocating for critical infrastructure projects that would serve as lifelines for rural development. Emanuely was instrumental in the establishment of the Tanzania Rural Roads Agency (TARURA), as well as the construction of the Kilombero River Bridge and road network. These projects transformed accessibility to key agricultural regions, providing farmers with vital links to markets and resources.

Pioneering Youth Engagement and Agricultural Innovation

Emanuely’s outstanding contributions earned him a well-deserved promotion to Manager of the Ihemi Cluster, a strategic area encompassing the agriculturally rich regions of Iringa and Njombe. In this role, he championed key advancements in the horticultural sector, particularly in the cultivation of high-value crops like avocados and potatoes. His efforts not only boosted production but also inspired young Tanzanians to view agriculture as a viable and promising career path.

His work extended far beyond horticulture. Emanuely was a catalyst for change within youth-led enterprises like GBRI and GUAVAI, where he played a key role in transforming these companies into models of agricultural innovation. His collaboration with key players in the livestock sector, such as ASAS Dairy and Silverlands in the poultry industry, also led to significant improvements in processing and value addition. His dedication to the development of the avocado value chain was particularly impactful, setting a high standard for agricultural processing in Tanzania.

A Lasting Legacy of Empowerment

Emanuely’s impact is not only etched in the agricultural advancements he helped spearhead but also in the lives of the countless young people he inspired. His passion for youth engagement laid the foundation for future generations to take an active role in shaping Tanzania’s agricultural future. The seeds he planted—both literal and metaphorical—will continue to grow, bearing fruit in the form of a thriving, youth-driven agricultural sector.

Compassionate Leadership and Personal Dedication

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Emanuely was deeply respected for his compassion, humility, and dedication to those around him. His background in sociology equipped him with the unique ability to mediate conflicts, build bridges between diverse stakeholders, and tackle challenges with a deep sense of empathy. His colleagues in SAGCOT, as well as government officials in Iringa and Njombe, remember him not only as a brilliant leader but also as a trusted friend, whose kindness and sincerity touched all who knew him.

In his personal life, Emanuely was a devoted family man. His colleagues at SAGCOT celebrated with him as he embraced fatherhood, and his joy in welcoming each new child into his family was contagious. His role as a loving father deeply inspired those who had the privilege of working alongside him, and his warmth and compassion were evident in every aspect of his life.

Celebrating a Life Well Lived

As the SAGCOT community, along with his friends, family, and colleagues, comes together to mourn his passing, they also celebrate the incredible legacy Emanuely leaves behind. His spirit of service, unwavering dedication to agricultural development, and genuine love for people will forever be remembered. His life’s work continues to inspire a new generation of agricultural leaders committed to advancing Tanzania’s agricultural future—ensuring that Emanuely Deodath Lyimo’s impact will be felt for many years to come.