In a decisive move reflecting its commitment to visionary leadership and institutional resilience, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has appointed Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of its Board of Directors. Her appointment follows the conclusion of Mr. Emeka Emuwa’s remarkable 12-year tenure, marked by strategic growth and governance excellence.

Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu brings over 30 years of high-impact leadership across the banking and financial services landscape in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Most recently, she served as the head of Citi’s institutional businesses in Nigeria and Ghana, where she provided oversight across Banking, Markets, and Services. Under her leadership, the franchise navigated complex macroeconomic and regulatory headwinds, reinforcing operational resilience and strategic positioning.

Her international career with Citibank saw her hold pivotal leadership roles in more than 50 countries, with postings in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and South Africa. This broad exposure has equipped her with deep expertise in regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and cross-border financial operations—key pillars in today’s evolving RegTech ecosystem.

Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu also brings extensive boardroom experience. She previously served as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk Committee at Citibank Nigeria and was a board member of CHAPS Clearing UK, a critical high-value payments system now operated by the Bank of England. Additionally, she has supported financial inclusion through her board role at the UK-based charity, Opportunity International.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for AFC, which recently reported a record-breaking FY2024 performance. The Corporation achieved a 22.8% year-on-year revenue increase, surpassing the US$1 billion mark for the first time, fueled by strategic investments and transformative infrastructure projects. These include leading the development of the Lobito Corridor—an integrated transport network connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—alongside financing of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest.

Welcoming the new Chair, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, stated:
“We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of the Board. Her extensive leadership experience, regulatory insight, and deep-rooted understanding of Africa’s financial ecosystem will be instrumental as we expand our impact, mobilise essential capital, and deliver transformative projects that drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

In her remarks, Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to guide AFC through its next growth phase:
“It is an honour to lead the Board of an institution that bridges international capital with Africa’s unmatched investment potential. I look forward to collaborating with the board, management, and stakeholders to enhance AFC’s role as a driver of strategic, investment-led solutions that unlock Africa’s economic opportunities and reinforce compliance, governance, and sustainable development.”

Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu’s appointment signals a renewed focus on regulatory intelligence, sustainable finance, and governance-driven leadership as AFC deepens its impact across Africa’s infrastructure and investment landscape.