The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has announced the appointment of Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of its Board of Directors. 

AFC made the announcement in a statement in Lagos on Monday. 

According to AFC, Mrs Samuel-Ogbu succeeded Emeka Emuwa who had completed 12 years of meritorious service to the corporation.

The statement said she brings a wealth of experience spread over three decades leading and transforming the banking sector in Europe, Middle East, and Africa Access Multimedia Content

Until recently, Mrs Samuel-Ogbu led the Citi’s institutional businesses in Nigeria and Ghana, with oversight across banking, markets, and services. 

During this period, the new chair also steered the franchise through significant macroeconomic and regulatory headwinds, strengthening its strategic momentum and resilience.

The statement further explained that 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.

Samaila Zubairu, president and chief executive officer of AFC, stressed that the corporation was delighted to bring Mrs Samuel-Ogbu on board, revealing that her wealth of experience would be an invaluable asset. 

“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,” Mr Zubairu said. 

In her remarks, Mrs Samuel-Ogbu said she was honoured to take on the role of chair at AFC, describing the corporation as an institution that serves as a trusted bridge between international capital and Africa’s dynamic growth opportunities. 

She added that she’s looking forward to working closely with the board, management, and all stakeholders to advance the corporation’s mission.

The new chair, however, promised to strengthen the corporation’s role as the leading provider of strategic, investment-driven solutions that unlock Africa’s full economic potential.

AFC recently delivered a record-breaking FY2024 financial performance, with total revenue increasing by 22.8% to $1.1 billion, surpassing the $1 billion milestone for the first time.