Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading provider of infrastructure solutions across the continent, has announced the appointment of Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of its Board of Directors.
She takes over from Emeka Emuwa, who concludes 12 years of distinguished service with the Corporation.
With over 30 years of experience in banking across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Samuel-Ogbu brings extensive leadership expertise to the role.
Most recently, she headed Citi’s institutional operations in Nigeria and Ghana, overseeing Banking, Markets, and Services. Under her leadership, the organization navigated challenging economic and regulatory environments, emerging stronger and more strategically positioned.
Her career with Citibank spanned senior roles in over 50 countries, including significant tenures in the UK, Nigeria, and South Africa.
She also has considerable boardroom experience, having served as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk Committee at Citibank Nigeria before becoming its Managing Director. Additionally, she has been a board member of CHAPS Clearing UK and the UK charity Opportunity International.
Samuel-Ogbu’s deep expertise and commitment to Africa’s development comes at a pivotal time for AFC, as the Corporation intensifies its efforts to accelerate transformative investments and partnerships across the continent.
This leadership change follows AFC’s landmark financial results for FY2024, with revenue rising by 22.8% to US$1.1 billion — its first time surpassing the US$1 billion mark.
The record performance was fueled by high-impact projects such as leading the development of the Lobito Corridor, expanding the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC, and supporting the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest.
Commenting on the appointment, AFC President & CEO Samaila Zubairu said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of the Board. Her seasoned leadership, strategic insight, and deep knowledge of Africa’s financial ecosystem will be instrumental as we scale our impact, attract critical capital, and execute transformative projects to drive inclusive and sustainable development.”
In response, Samuel-Ogbu said, “It is a privilege to assume the role of Chair at AFC, an institution that bridges global capital with Africa’s immense growth potential. I am eager to collaborate with the board, management, and stakeholders to further AFC’s mission and solidify its position as a leading catalyst for economic transformation across the continent.”
