Africa Finance Corporation Appoints Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as New Board Chair.

Monday 28th April 2025

非洲记者报道

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading provider of infrastructure solutions across Africa, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. She succeeds Mr. Emeka Emuwa, who completed 12 years of dedicated service to the Corporation.

Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu brings over three decades of leadership experience in the banking and financial services sector, having worked across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Until recently, she served as Citi’s Country Officer and Managing Director for Nigeria and Ghana, overseeing institutional businesses in Banking, Markets, and Services. Under her leadership, Citi’s franchise in the region navigated challenging macroeconomic environments and regulatory changes, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Her international career at Citibank included senior leadership roles in over 50 countries, providing her with a global perspective and a deep understanding of financial systems and investment frameworks. She worked extensively in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and South Africa, holding roles that sharpened her expertise in banking operations, risk management, and corporate governance.

Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu’s boardroom experience is equally distinguished. She previously served as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk Committee at Citibank Nigeria for six years before transitioning into the role of Managing Director. Additionally, she was a board member of CHAPS Clearing UK, the United Kingdom’s high-value payment system, now operated by the Bank of England. She also contributed to the governance of Opportunity International, a UK-based charity focused on economic empowerment through financial services.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for AFC, which recently announced record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year 2024. The Corporation’s total revenue increased by 22.8% to reach US$1.1 billion, surpassing the US$1 billion milestone for the first time. This growth was fueled by AFC’s involvement in transformational projects, including its role as Lead Project Developer for the Lobito Corridor, a vital transport network linking Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

AFC also provided critical financing for the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, one of the world’s most important low-carbon copper mines, and supported the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa. These projects underline AFC’s commitment to sustainable industrialization and economic development across the continent.

Speaking about the appointment, Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of the Board. Her visionary leadership, broad experience, and profound understanding of Africa’s financial landscape are assets that will drive our next phase of growth. We look forward to working closely with her to mobilize capital and deliver transformative projects that promote inclusive and sustainable prosperity.”

Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “It is a great honour to take on the position of Chair at AFC, an institution that serves as a bridge between international capital and Africa’s growth opportunities. I am committed to advancing AFC’s mission and working with the board, management, and stakeholders to unlock Africa’s full economic potential.”

With Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu at the helm, AFC is poised to strengthen its role as a leading catalyst for infrastructure development, innovation, and investment across Africa, delivering on its vision to drive transformative change on the continent.