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Zola Sibanda

@zolasibanda

Data Science & Analytics Consultant specializing in data strategy, machine learning, and delivering insights that power smarter business decisions.

Botswana

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role to apply my expertise in data science, econometrics, and analytics to solve complex business challenges and drive data-driven decisions. I am passionate about building scalable data strategies, developing ML & AI models, and delivering impactful solutions. I value collaboration, modern tech, and opportunities for growth, innovation, and mentorship

I am a Data Science & Analytics Consultant with a strong academic and professional background, holding two Master’s degrees—an MSc in Econometrics & Operations Research from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and an MSc in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Pretoria. Over the years, I have built a career at the intersection of data, strategy, and business impact, working across industries such as eCommerce, FMCG, and automotive.

My professional journey includes developing scalable data strategies, architecting analytics solutions, and leveraging machine learning, econometrics, and advanced statistical modelling to deliver actionable insights. At Nestlé ESAR, I contributed to projects in demand forecasting, marketing mix modelling, and supply chain analytics—driving measurable business improvements. More recently, at eCre8, I led the creation of real-time analytics dashboards, integrating data from multiple platforms to optimize eCommerce performance and marketing ROI.

Technically, I am proficient in Python, R, SQL, and SAS, with expertise in tools such as Power BI, Looker, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. I have applied these skills to build predictive models, automate ETL pipelines, and deliver data products that empower decision-making. Beyond technical delivery, I bring strong leadership, stakeholder management, and mentoring experience, guiding teams and junior talent.

My interests lie in using data to solve real-world business problems, bridging technical depth with strategic vision. I am particularly passionate about machine learning, statistical modelling, and AI applications in business, as well as data governance and cloud-based solutions for scalable analytics. I also enjoy mentoring and knowledge-sharing, having served as a mentor through the University of Pretoria programme.

I am driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and the belief that well-applied data science can transform organizations and industries.

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Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Data Science and Analytics Consultant

Current

eCre8

Dec 2024 - Present (11 months)

Spearheaded the development of eCre8’s comprehensive data strategy, designing and delivering interactive analytics and dashboards to optimize e-commerce performance and drive marketing ROI. Integrated real-time data from Shopify, Google Analytics, and Funnel.io to provide actionable insights, improve decision-making, and enhance overall business performance.

E commerce analytics Data Strategy Looker Funnel.io Shopify Google Analytics Dashboarding Data Integration

Program Committee Student Representative

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Sep 2023 - Aug 2024 (11 months)

Evaluated econometrics track courses and implemented student feedback through reporting, improving course quality and contributing actionable recommendations to the programme committee. Presented findings to stakeholders to enhance the learning experience.

Course Evaluation Reporting Stakeholder Communication

Data Scientist

Nestlé ESAR

Jan 2021 - Jul 2023 (2 years 6 months)

Built robust ETL pipelines and machine learning solutions using SQL, Python, and Azure to enhance data quality and deliver trusted insights for decision-making, contributing to a 1% market share growth. Led the development of demand forecasting models and scalable Marketing Mix Modelling initiatives, improving business predictability, marketing ROI, and supply chain planning efficiency.

SQL Python Azure Data Factory

Data Science Intern

Nestlé ESAR

Oct 2020 - Jan 2021 (3 months)

Developed big data extraction and mapping processes using Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake and Databricks, produced Power BI dashboards, and earned promotion to Data Scientist within four months. Conducted analyses to identify trends and prepare data for advanced modelling.

Python SQL Azure Data Factory Azure Data Lake

Junior Data Scientist

Moipone Fleet

May 2019 - Sep 2020 (1 year 4 months)

Conducted statistical analysis and data mining to identify trends and patterns. Built predictive models and ML-based tools for fleet management, including driver behavior scoring and cost forecasting. Developed automated systems using Docker and integrated testing into CI/CD pipelines, enhancing model reliability and deployment readiness.

predictive modeling Statistical Analysis Data Mining

Mathematics Lecturer

Pearson Institute of Higher Education

Jan 2019 - May 2019 (4 months)

Delivered mathematics lectures and personalized support across campus programs. Assessed student performance through grading and evaluations, improving overall results. Collaborated with staff to design course material and assessments, while supporting departmental administration. Enhanced student learning by diversifying content and applying differentiated teaching strategies.

Teaching Curriculum Development Lesson planning

Assistant Lecturer

University of Pretoria

Jan 2018 - May 2019 (1 year 4 months)

Assisted in delivering STK 133 statistics content, supported assessments and tutorials, and contributed to course material development to improve student outcomes. Provided targeted academic support and mentoring to students.

Assessments Teaching Statistics Tutoring

Statistics Tutor

University of Pretoria

Apr 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year 8 months)

Tutored STK 120 students in statistics, providing targeted support and exam preparation that improved understanding and performance. Delivered problem-solving sessions and one-on-one assistance.

Tutoring Statistics Student Support Exam Preparation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Master of Science, Econometrics & Operations Research

2023 - 2024

Grade: 6.6

Activities and societies: Advanced Econometrics; Multivariate Econometrics; Quantitative Investing; Financial Econometrics Case Study; Time Series Models; Derivatives; Quantitative Financial Risk Management; Thesis

Completed a Master of Science in Econometrics & Operations Research with a Financial Econometrics specialization; thesis applied a LASSO-based approach to model selection and forecasting of hybrid factor regression models.

University of Pretoria

Master of Science, Mathematical Statistics

2017 - 2020

Grade: 70.67

Activities and societies: Statistical Learning; Data Analytics and Visualizations; Capita Selecta; Time Series Analysis

Completed a Master of Science in Mathematical Statistics from 2017 to 2020. Dissertation examined shrinkage estimation in ARMA-GARCH regression models with application to Bitcoin returns.

University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Science (Honours), Mathematical Statistics

2016 - 2016

Grade: 68.33

Activities and societies: Linear Models; Sampling Techniques; Multivariate Analysis; Statistical Process Control; Parametric Stochastic Processes; Research project; base SAS and exposure to R

Completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematical Statistics in 2016 with a research project on the geometric Poisson distribution applied to traffic accidents.

University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Science, Actuarial and Financial Mathematics

2012 - 2015

Grade: 55

Activities and societies: Foundations in actuarial and financial methods; Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); SAS; SQL; MATLAB; C++

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics from 2012 to 2015, gaining foundations in actuarial and financial methods. Developed proficiency with statistical and programming tools relevant to actuarial analysis.