About Me

Dr. Harold Mayaba was born and raised in the Southern Province of Zambia under incredibly challenging circumstances. His mother was only 14, and his father just 19 at the time of his birth. Shortly after he was weaned, his grandparents—living in a small rural village—stepped in to raise him.

Harold never had the opportunity to grow up in a household with both parents. His mother and father never married, and as a result, he missed out on the experience of a traditional family structure. Tragically, his mother passed away at the age of 28—the very same year Harold had moved in to live with her for the first time. His father also died just as they were beginning to reconnect and build a relationship, trying to make up for the lost years.

Raised by his impoverished grandparents, Harold’s early life was marked by hardship and instability—an experience he often describes as a form of “natural military training.” After the passing of his grandparents, life became even more uncertain. He moved from one home to another, often walking alone in the dark with no idea where he would sleep next.

Without a stable place to call home, frequently going without food, and occasionally experiencing homelessness, Harold clung to one unwavering goal: to complete his education and secure a better future. Even as he struggled to meet his most basic needs, the question of how to afford school fees loomed like a mountain too steep to climb.

Yet, in the face of adversity, Harold drew strength from resilience and a powerful belief in the mantra “never give up.” Against all odds, he completed his high school education and continued onward, ultimately earning a PhD. His journey stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of purpose, hope, and unyielding perseverance.

Now living in New Zealand, Dr. Harold Mayaba is a Purpose, Hope, and Resilience speaker, agribusiness expert, and founder of H|M Agri-Food Market Consultancy and Speaking. He holds a PhD in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and works globally as a market researcher and agribusiness strategist. Harold partners with agribusinesses and food brands to develop resilient, market-aligned strategies that address today’s ethical, consumer-driven, and sustainability challenges.

Through his dynamic speaking engagements, Harold shares compelling stories of rising from hardship to triumph—offering real-life lessons in determination, faith, and the courage to grow beyond adversity. His message inspires audiences to discover their purpose, embrace hope, and build resilience in both life and business.

Having experienced immense struggle as a child, Harold uses his journey to empower students, young entrepreneurs, and professionals to transform pain into purpose. He regularly speaks in schools, churches, conferences, and leadership forums—delivering messages that spark action and lasting change.

Through H|M Agri-Food Market Consultancy and Speaking, Harold combines motivational speaking with practical consulting—supporting individuals, cooperatives, and organizations to transform their stories, expand their markets, and build futures grounded in purpose and vision.