Vanessa Adams is a dynamic and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in strategy, international trade, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and public-private partnerships across over 50 countries, including 28 in Africa. As the Founder and CEO of Level4International, Vanessa leads a boutique consultancy with a global footprint, driving impactful investments, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

Vanessa has held leadership roles in some of the most significant agricultural and economic development programs on the continent, including as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at AGRA, where she was on the executive team managing a $500 million strategy that transformed the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across 11 African countries. Her leadership tenure at AGRA also included spearheading digital agriculture strategies, empowering women-led agribusinesses, and driving high-impact initiatives in partnership with global stakeholders. 

Her expertise spans complex project management, strategic growth, and the development of international food, agricultural and consumer goods supply chains. Vanessa has been instrumental in catalyzing over $300 million in exports, over $100 million in investments, and securing over $200 million in credit for businesses and entrepreneurs. Her innovative approach and ability to manage culturally and technically diverse teams have led to transformational changes in regional and global markets. 

An excellent public speaker and facilitator, Vanessa is recognized for her ability to champion change, redesign processes, advocate for policy reforms, foster entrepreneurship and sustainable sourcing practices. Fluent in English and French, with basic knowledge of German, Amharic, and Bambara, Vanessa holds an executive MBA from INSEAD and has contributed to major international platforms, including the UN Global Food Systems Summit, World Economic Forum, and founded several partnership platforms including the Global Shea Alliance, African Cashew Alliance, Borderless Alliance, and the Value4Her platform, and the Africa Agribusiness Dealroom. 

Vanessa continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of agriculture, economic growth, and champions smallholder farmers and women's empowerment across Africa and beyond.