Alex Samel serves as Chief of Party for Counterpart International in Kenya, where he leads efforts to strengthen agricultural markets and expand economic opportunity, supporting farmers, businesses, and partners to improve productivity and connect to growing markets. He focuses on building practical, market-driven solutions that increase trade, strengthen food systems, and deliver sustainable results.

With extensive experience in Food for Progress and USAID-funded programs, Alex brings deep expertise in agribusiness development, trade facilitation, and global partnerships. He has led initiatives that improve bi-lateral trade,
strengthen value chains, and harmonize regulatory systems, working across diverse and complex environments.

Prior to joining Counterpart, Alex worked with Land O’Lakes Venture37, where he led Food for Progress programs in Georgia and Egypt. In Georgia, his leadership supported the commercialization of the livestock sector, increasing annual sales by more than $250 million. In Egypt, he strengthened national food safety systems, contributing to more than $1 billion in agricultural trade growth.