Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade Appointed AfDB Senior Vice President

Read Time:3 Minute, 15 Second

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has appointed Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade as the institution’s new Senior Vice President, effective October 4, 2024. Mrs. Akin-Olugbade, a Cameroonian national, has had a distinguished career at the Bank, most recently serving as Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery.

Mrs. Akin-Olugbade’s 32 years of experience span a variety of sectors including capital markets, treasury, asset management, and policy development. She is widely regarded as a results-oriented leader with deep technical expertise and strategic vision. Her leadership has been key to driving the Bank’s mission of fostering sustainable economic development and social progress in Africa.

In her previous role, she oversaw regional economic integration efforts, resource mobilization, and the creation of innovative financial solutions for sovereign and non-sovereign clients alike.

One of Mrs. Akin-Olugbade’s most notable accomplishments during her tenure at the AfDB was her role in managing a $9 billion portfolio for West Africa. Under her leadership, the Bank successfully engaged with key stakeholders, including governments, private sector partners, and non-state actors, to deliver significant development outcomes, even in challenging regions such as the Sahel.

Her ability to navigate complex environments and bring together diverse actors has earned her a strong reputation for delivering impact, particularly in infrastructure projects.

Read: South Africa’s Transnet Secures $1 Billion from African Development Bank

Her journey with the African Development Bank began in 1991, in the Treasury Department’s Trading Room. By 2008, she had risen to the position of Manager of the Financial Technical Services Division, where she led the development of new financial products and risk management solutions.

After nearly two decades in finance, she transitioned into operations, serving as Country Manager for the Bank’s Ghana office. In this role, she managed a $1 billion portfolio and led the financing of major infrastructure projects, including the Accra Pokuase Interchange, West Africa’s first four-tier interchange, which significantly improved transportation networks in the region.

Mrs. Akin-Olugbade’s exemplary leadership continued with her appointment as Director General for the West Africa region in 2018. In this capacity, she worked closely with the Bank’s largest team of Directors General and Country Managers, overseeing operations across multiple countries.

Her tenure culminated in her role as Vice President for Regional Integration, Business Development, and Delivery, where she was responsible for driving the Bank’s strategic goals across the continent.

Upon her appointment as Senior Vice President, Mrs. Akin-Olugbade expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

She stated, “I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence that President Adesina has placed in me. I look forward to working closely with the President, Senior Leadership Team, our Boards of Directors and staff to enhance the Bank’s impact and effectiveness in delivering programs that benefit our regional member countries.”

Read: African Development Bank Grants $5.94 Million to the Comoros

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, praised Mrs. Akin-Olugbade’s appointment, highlighting her proven track record of leadership and deep knowledge of the Bank’s operations.

“Marie Laure is a highly experienced, committed, and effective manager of teams, who brings extensive knowledge of the African Development Bank, its rules, processes and systems, and well-proven capacity to deliver on bank-wide operations, while ensuring team cohesion,” said Dr. Adesina.

“I am confident that Marie Laure will inject refreshing leadership and dynamism to the senior leadership team and the Bank.” he added.

Mrs. Akin-Olugbade holds a master’s degree in applied economics from Université Paris-Dauphine and a postgraduate degree in Management from Université Panthéon-Sorbonne in France.

Her extensive education and wealth of experience make her exceptionally qualified to take on the role of Senior Vice President, where she will be pivotal in shaping the future of the African Development Bank Group.