Johan Viljoen is the Founder and Managing Director of Nitro Explosives, a company he built from the ground up with a clear vision to redefine service, reliability, and value in the African explosives industry. With a strong entrepreneurial drive and deep market insight, Johan recognised the region’s growing need for a locally rooted yet globally capable explosives partner. His leadership blends business acumen with practical industry understanding, guiding Nitro’s growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on customer success.
Jaques Botha is a South African national with extensive experience in the mining and explosives industry. Known for his results-driven leadership, he has led major projects and managed key accounts with global clients including Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore, BHP Billiton, and Glencore across Africa. As Chief Operating Officer at Nitro Explosives and Nitro Logistics, in partnership with Austin Powder, Jaques drives operational excellence, market growth, innovation, and safety — reflecting his commitment to performance and customer value.
With over five years in the explosives industry, Elisi Mvili has gained deep insight into the sector’s operations, products, and customers. As CFO at Nitro Explosives (T) Ltd, she leads financial analysis and reporting to the Board, ensuring strategic and transparent decision-making. Passionate about developing her team, Elisi believes that empowering others is the key to achieving success — always recognising the “silent heroes” who drive results behind the scenes.
Trevern Emslie is an accomplished operations and engineering professional with extensive experience in the explosives and manufacturing industries. As Operations & Engineering Manager at Nitro Explosives, he oversees plant performance, engineering projects, and process optimisation across all operational sites. Known for his strong technical expertise and leadership, Trevern has played a key role in enhancing production efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and driving continuous improvement. His practical approach and commitment to teamwork make him an integral part of Nitro’s operational success.
Kassim Mwasora is an experienced professional with a strong background in logistics, administration, and project management within the industrial and explosives sectors. Having advanced through roles such as Plant Administrator, SGR Project Coordinator, and Tunnel Manager, he developed strong leadership and safety management skills. Now excelling as a Sales Representative, Kassim combines his technical expertise and people skills to drive sales, deliver tailored solutions, and ensure outstanding client service.
Birendra Deuri brings over two decades of leadership in production and project environments, with significant expertise in fabrication and industrial operations. As Plant Manager at Nitro Explosives Tanzania Ltd., he applies his extensive experience to ensure operational efficiency, high safety standards, and seamless coordination of manufacturing activities. His strong background and steady drive make him a key pillar in supporting the company’s growth and performance.
Emmanuel Teekishe is a qualified attorney with over 18 years of experience in the explosives industry from his tenure at Nitro Explosives (T) Ltd. In his role as Deputy General Manager, Emmanuel blends legal expertise with operational insight to steer compliance, strategic initiatives, and business growth. Known for his deep understanding of the Tanzanian market and the regulatory landscape, he enables the organisation to navigate complexity while driving value and accountability to teamwork make him an integral part of Nitro’s operational success.
Lameck Richard Shoo is a committed professional with strong experience in marketing, logistics, and operational coordination within the explosives industry. In his role as Logistics & Sales Manager, he oversees efficient product distribution, supports commercial growth, and maintains strong customer relationships. Lameck continues to strengthen Nitro’s market presence by optimising supply chain performance and ensuring full compliance with safety and regulatory standards. His leadership and results-focused approach remain key to the company’s ongoing success..
Florence Barnabas Barongo is a dedicated HR professional with strong expertise in workforce development, organisational culture, and employee relations. As Human Resources Manager at Nitro Explosives, she plays a key role in building a high-performance team environment by leading recruitment, training, performance management, and staff welfare initiatives. Florence is passionate about empowering employees, fostering inclusive practices, and ensuring alignment between people and organisational strategy. Her commitment to professionalism and continuous improvement contributes greatly to Nitro’s growth, safety culture, and operational excellence.
