The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has appointed Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of its Board of Directors, marking a significant leadership transition as the institution enters a new phase of growth and strategic focus. She succeeds Emeka Emuwa, who concluded a 12-year tenure that saw AFC evolve into one of Africa’s most influential multilateral finance institutions.
Samuel-Ogbu brings over three decades of international banking experience, having held senior leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Most recently, she led Citi’s institutional businesses in Nigeria and Ghana, overseeing banking, markets, and services. Her tenure at Citi included navigating complex macroeconomic and regulatory environments, strengthening the franchise’s strategic momentum and resilience.
Her boardroom experience is extensive, including serving as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk Committee at Citibank Nigeria, as well as positions with CHAPS Clearing UK and the UK-based charity Opportunity International. This diverse background positions her to guide AFC as it seeks to deepen its impact across the continent.
AFC recently reported a record-breaking financial performance for FY2024, with total revenue increasing by 22.8% to US$1.1 billion, surpassing the US$1 billion milestone for the first time. This growth was driven by several transformational infrastructure projects across Africa.
Under Samuel-Ogbu’s leadership, AFC is expected to continue its mission of accelerating Africa’s transformation through bold investments, innovative financing models, and catalytic partnerships. Her appointment signals a commitment to leveraging her extensive experience to navigate the complexities of infrastructure financing and development on the continent.
As AFC embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Samuel-Ogbu’s leadership influences the corporation’s strategic direction and its role in shaping Africa’s economic future.
