The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has appointed Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu Chairman of its board of Directors. She brings over three decades of experience in the banking and financial services industry across Nigeria, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
She succeeds Mr. Emeka Emuwa, who completed his twelve years of service to the Corporation.
Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu has extensive boardroom experience, including Citibank Nigeria, where she was a Non-Executive Director for 6 years and Chair of the Risk Committee prior to becoming the Managing Director.
She also served on the board of CHAPS Clearing UK, the high-value payment system now operated by the Bank of England, and a UK-based charity, Opportunity International.
Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the advancement of Africa make her an asset to AFC at a time when the Corporation is more committed than ever to accelerating Africa’s transformation through bold investments, innovative financing models, and catalytic partnerships.
Her international career within Citibank included senior leadership roles across over 50 countries in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, during which time she worked in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said: ” We are delighted to welcome Mrs Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of the Board.
”Her wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and deep understanding of Africa’s financial landscape will be invaluable as we navigate our next phase of growth- expanding our impact, mobilising urgently needed capital and delivering transformative projects that enable inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the continent.”
Mrs Ireti Samuel-Ogbu commented: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at AFC, an institution that serves as a trusted bridge between international capital and Africa’s dynamic growth opportunities.
”I look forward to working closely with the board, management, and all stakeholders to advance the Corporation’s mission and strengthen its role as the leading provider of strategic, investment-driven solutions that unlock Africa’s full economic potential.”
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), is the continent’s leading instrumental infrastructure solutions provider, supporting significant infrastructural and sectoral projects that can enhance the productivity and competitiveness of African economies.
It achieved a total increase of $1.1bn in its 2024 financial year performance, a 22.8% increase from the previous financial year.
AFC was established in 2007 to facilitate pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. Its approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.
