The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, also known as the Africa Club, has announced the appointment of President/CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu, as its new chairperson.
Zubairu succeeds AAMFI’s founding chair, Professor Benedict Oramah, who is the president and chairman of the board of directors of the African Export-Import Bank.
According to a statement issued on Monday, it was indicated that Zubairu was confirmed at the fifth meeting of the AAMFI Governing Council.
As Chairperson, Zubairu will drive collaborative growth by strengthening partnerships among member institutions, African governments, and global agencies to build a robust financial architecture. His agenda prioritises youth empowerment through industrialisation, financial literacy, pension reforms, strategic investments in infrastructure, and the developing capital markets to enhance liquidity and intra-African investment. He will also advocate cross-border capital mobilisation and early warning systems to prevent financial vulnerabilities, ensuring Africa’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
While accepting the chairmanship of the AAMFI for 2025, Zubairu said, “I am deeply honoured to assume the chairmanship of AAMFI at this pivotal moment for Africa’s economic transformation. Our collective mission is clear—to build a robust financial architecture that captures and retains value within the continent mobilises African capital for African priorities, and accelerates the infrastructure development that enables industrialisation.
“By fostering deeper intra-African collaboration and strengthening our institutions, we will unlock opportunities that create high-quality jobs, drive innovation, and secure our long-term economic resilience. I look forward to working with my esteemed colleagues to chart a path toward true financial sovereignty and sustainable prosperity for Africa.”
Additionally, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Africa Re Corporation, Dr. Corneille Karekezi, and Chief Executive Officer of the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance, Mr. Manuel Moses, were appointed as the first and second vice chairpersons of the AAMFI Governing Council, respectively.
Established in 2024, AAMFI brings together Africa’s leading multilateral financial institutions to promote sustainable economic growth and financial self-reliance for the continent. The Alliance plays a critical role in strengthening intra-African collaboration, mobilising capital for development, and advocating for Africa’s economic interests on the global stage.
Under Prof. Oramah’s leadership, AAMFI made significant strides, including its successful launch by African Heads of State in February 2024, the adoption of its governing Charter, the admission of three new members: Fund for Export Development in Africa African Solidarity Fund, and East African Development Bank, increasing its membership from seven founding members to a total of ten members.
Prof. Oramah’s leadership also saw the endorsement and recognition of AAMFI by key African Union organs and stakeholders, as well as the successful elevation of the profile of the Alliance, highlighting its key role in shaping discussions around African multilateral and development finance.
“I want to thank the leadership of AAMFI for entrusting me with this mandate. Looking back at what we have achieved, I am reminded of the immense potential and responsibility that lie ahead. AAMFI has laid a strong foundation for Africa’s financial sovereignty, but there is still much more to be done. I am confident that under the leadership of Mr. Samaila Zubairu, Africa will continue to drive impactful collaborations and innovative financial solutions to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation,” said Prof. Oramah in his statement during the handover ceremony,” he said.
Members commended Prof. Oramah on his successful leadership and tenure and pledged their commitment and support towards a successful year for Mr. Zubairu as the new chairperson of AAMFI.
AAMFI members include AFC, Afreximbank, Trade and Development Bank Group, African Reinsurance Corporation, African Trade and Investment Development Insurance, Shelter Afrique Development Bank, ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company, East African Development Bank, African Solidarity Fund, and the Fund for Export Development in Africa).
