Mattijs Smith is an international development expert, focusing on the growth and strategic development of public and private organizations worldwide. He began his career in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector before moving into the aviation industry, as well as the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

In his roles, Mattijs supports organizations in developing and implementing growth strategies, international expansion, and commercial development. Over the course of his career, he has worked for leading telecom operators such as Koninklijke PTT Nederland (KPN) and Vodafone, airports including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and organizations such as the United Kingdom (UK) Civil Aviation Authority and the Dutch flower cooperative Royal FloraHolland. He also served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Following his corporate career, Mattijs established his own aviation advisory and training company, as well as a platform that connects African expertise with African aviation clients. Having been raised in Tanzania and Kenya, he has a strong connection with East Africa and is committed to contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.

As part of this commitment, he founded and developed a fully organic Moringa Farm and processing facility on the south coast of Kenya, a social impact venture that created jobs for over 200 people in Kwale.