African Leadership Magazine Unveils Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025
African Leadership Magazine (ALM) (www.AfricanLeadershipMagazine.co.uk) is pleased to unveil its highly anticipated Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025 list — a prestigious editorial recognition that honours excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership within Africa's financial services and economic governance landscape. This year's cohort comprises distinguished finance ministers, central bank governors, CEOs of leading financial institutions, and other influential figures who are shaping the continent's economic architecture through visionary policy direction and exemplary stewardship.
The Top 25 list is a testament to the leaders who are championing fiscal responsibility, financial inclusion, and macroeconomic stability across the continent. These individuals have demonstrated a profound ability to navigate complex economic challenges, implement forward-thinking reforms, and inspire confidence in national and regional economies. Their collective leadership has contributed to enhanced investor confidence, accelerated digital finance adoption, and strengthened institutional frameworks that support inclusive and sustainable development. As Africa continues to assert itself as a dynamic player in the global economy, these leaders are setting the standard for excellence in financial governance, demonstrating the strategic foresight and resilience required to unlock the continent's vast economic potential.
'These finance leaders have not only surmounted formidable challenges but are actively shaping a new era of economic growth, transparency, and resilience,' said Dr. Ken Giami, Publisher&CEO of African Leadership Magazine. 'Their bold and visionary leadership is redefining Africa's financial narrative and positioning the continent as a rising global financial powerhouse.'
The selection process follows a rigorous two-step procedure to ensure transparency and credibility. First, nominations are gathered from a global pool of experts in the finance and banking sectors, who identify individuals making significant contributions. Then, our editorial board conducts a thorough review, evaluating candidates based on their leadership, impact, and long-term influence on the African financial landscape. This comprehensive approach ensures that we honor only the most deserving leaders, whose work is truly transforming Africa's financial sector.'
The formal recognition and celebration of these leaders will take place at the African Finance Leadership Forum, scheduled for 22 April 2025 at the United States Capitol Building, Washington D.C., USA, on the margins of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The ALM Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025:
Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah – President/Chairman, African Export–Import Bank
Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance, Economic Development&Investment Promotion, Zimbabwe
Abdellatif Jouahri – Governor, Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco)
Jeremy Awori – Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Inc.
Situmbeko Musokotwane – Minister of Finance, Zambia
Johnny Ohisa Damian – Governor, Bank of South Sudan
Paul Russo – CEO, KCB Group PLC, Kenya
Samaila Zubairu – President/CEO, Africa Finance Corporation
Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana
Olusegun Alebiosu – CEO, FirstBank Group, Nigeria
Rindra Rabarinirinarison – Minister of Economy and Finance, Madagascar
Mary Vilakazi – CEO, Firstrand Limited, South Africa
Mamo E. Mihretu – Governor, National Bank of Ethiopia
Kennedy Bungane – Group CEO, African Bank, South Africa
Rama Krishna Sithanen – Governor, Bank of Mauritius
Idrissa Nassa – CEO, Coris Bank Group, Burkina Faso
Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura – Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone
Carolina Abel – Governor, Central Bank of Seychelles
Walton Ekundayo Gilpin – MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone
Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum – Group CEO, Oragroup SA, Cameroon
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group
Sheikh Diba – Minister of Finance and Budget, Senegal
Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela – CEO, CRDB Bank Plc, Tanzania
Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah – Minister of Finance, Libya
Hon. Henry F. Saamoi – Governor, Central Bank of Liberia
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leadership Magazine.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ehis Ayere
Group General Manager
info@africanleadership.co.uk
+44 23 9265 8276
About African Leadership Magazine:
The African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organization (UK), focuses on presenting the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective while developing solutions to challenges facing the continent today. We have committed the last 16 years to promoting impactful leadership on the continent and promoting African opportunities globally through an ecosystem of quality Afro-positive content, Africa trade facilitation and market entry solutions, Afro-centric communities and business networking platforms, as well as through public sector training and consulting.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Post
21 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Drunk Elephant's Moisturiser Gains Popularity in UAE Amidst Recall Concerns
Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream has become a sought-after skincare product in the UAE, particularly among consumers seeking effective hydration solutions. The cream's formulation, featuring a triple-ceramide blend and a mix of African oils, has garnered attention for its ability to provide long-lasting moisture and support the skin's barrier function. The product's appeal lies in its clean and cruelty-free formulation, free from fragrances and essential oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Its airy, non-greasy texture allows for easy absorption, catering to the needs of individuals in the UAE's arid climate. However, the brand faced challenges when it voluntarily recalled certain batches of the Lala Retro Whipped Cream due to an ingredient mix-up during production. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some products contained a surfactant not listed on the ingredient label, potentially leading to adverse skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Drunk Elephant promptly addressed the issue, offering full refunds or product exchanges to affected customers and emphasizing its commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. Despite the recall, the product's popularity in the UAE remains strong, with consumers continuing to purchase it from various retailers, including Dubai Duty Free, Sephora, and online platforms like and The brand's transparency in handling the recall and its proactive measures to rectify the situation have helped maintain consumer trust.


Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Airport welcomes first Ethiopian Airlines flight
As part of a significant expansion of its route network into Africa, Sharjah Airport has officially welcomed the first direct flight operated by Ethiopian Airlines on 2nd June 2025, marking a new chapter in the airport's growing global connectivity. This step reflects Sharjah's rising status on the regional and international aviation map, as more global airlines choose the airport as a strategic operational hub linking the Middle East with the African continent. The inaugural flight was welcomed in a reception attended by senior officials and representatives from both sides. Ethiopian Airlines now operates four weekly flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Sharjah Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return flights departing Sharjah on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, bound for Addis Ababa. A Strategic Route Strengthening Trade and Investment Connectivity with Africa Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), emphasised that this strategic partnership with the national carrier of Ethiopia falls in line with the airport's ongoing efforts to expand its destination network and connect Sharjah with key emerging markets. He noted that this aligns with the growing demand for regional and international travel, fueled by the airport's ambitious expansion strategy and development projects aimed at increasing total passenger capacity to 25 million annually by the end of 2027. He added, 'This new route with Ethiopian Airlines represents a qualitative step in reinforcing the airport's role as a vital air bridge that supports trade and investment flows between the UAE and African nations. We remain committed to delivering the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and service diversity, through the adoption of smart technologies and advanced digital systems. This enhances operational performance and sustainability, while ensuring a seamless, safe, and integrated travel experience—further strengthening Sharjah Airport's position as a distinguished regional hub.' Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated, 'We are truly delighted to connect our passengers to an additional getaway in the UAE with our new flights to Sharjah. We have been connecting the UAE and Africa for nearly five decades now and the new service will help boost the investment, tourism, diplomatic and socioeconomic bonds between the two regions.' Sharjah Airport Authority continues to enhance its offering to attract global airlines by providing a comprehensive service ecosystem tailored to meet the evolving needs and goals of aviation partners. These services align with best global practices in the aviation industry and reflect the latest airport technologies and systems. Ethiopian Airlines—recognised as one of the leading carriers in Africa—operates flights to 142 international destinations for both passengers and cargo, and is known for its high operational efficiency and compliance with the highest global safety and quality standards. WAM


Arabian Post
a day ago
- Arabian Post
African Nations Urged to Boost Local Debt Markets Amid Global Funding Shift
African countries face growing challenges in accessing international finance as global economic uncertainty and tightening monetary policies restrict foreign capital flows. Moody's Investors Service has highlighted the urgent need for these nations to develop robust local debt markets denominated in their own currencies to mitigate risks associated with reliance on external funding. As global financial conditions tighten, foreign investors have become more cautious about exposure to emerging markets, including many African economies. This shift has led to a decline in capital inflows, leaving governments increasingly vulnerable to sudden stops or reversals in funding. Moody's global head of sovereign risk emphasised that liquid and deep domestic debt markets can provide a crucial buffer, enabling governments to raise funds without depending heavily on foreign creditors. Currently, many African countries issue debt primarily in foreign currencies such as the US dollar or euro, exposing them to exchange rate risk. Currency depreciation against these hard currencies can dramatically increase debt servicing costs, placing pressure on public finances. Developing local currency bond markets would allow governments to borrow in their own currency, reducing this vulnerability and helping to stabilise fiscal positions. ADVERTISEMENT Several African countries have already taken steps to expand their local debt markets. Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa stand out with relatively more developed government bond markets, which have helped these economies absorb shocks from external capital volatility. However, the scale and liquidity of these markets remain limited compared to advanced economies, making them less effective as shock absorbers. Moody's report stresses that broadening the investor base is critical. This includes attracting domestic institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, and mutual funds, which have longer-term investment horizons and are less likely to withdraw capital abruptly. Expanding participation by local investors can deepen the market and enhance price discovery, increasing market efficiency. Policy reforms to improve the regulatory environment, market infrastructure, and transparency are essential to build investor confidence in local markets. Strengthening legal frameworks for debt issuance and enforcement, improving settlement systems, and enhancing credit rating capabilities will facilitate greater market participation. Governments must also maintain prudent fiscal management to ensure debt sustainability and investor trust. The trend toward tightening global financial conditions reflects actions by major central banks to raise interest rates and normalise monetary policy after years of ultra-loose settings. This environment reduces appetite for higher-risk emerging market debt, especially those with significant external borrowing and weaker fiscal fundamentals. African nations with large current account deficits and high foreign currency debt are most at risk of capital flight and currency pressures. At the same time, China's retrenchment from aggressive lending in Africa is altering traditional funding patterns. The decline in Chinese infrastructure loans and project financing has created financing gaps that are not easily replaced by private capital. Local debt markets can offer a more sustainable alternative, giving governments greater control over funding costs and maturities. ADVERTISEMENT International financial institutions have also been encouraging African governments to tap domestic markets and enhance fiscal resilience. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank support capacity-building initiatives to develop sovereign bond markets and encourage the issuance of domestic debt instruments. These efforts align with the broader agenda of promoting sustainable debt practices and reducing vulnerability to external shocks. Despite the push for local currency debt markets, several challenges remain. Many African economies are characterised by low levels of financial inclusion, limited investor sophistication, and constrained savings pools. These factors restrict demand for government bonds and complicate efforts to build deep, liquid markets. Inflation volatility in some countries adds further complexity. Investors may demand higher yields to compensate for inflation risk, raising borrowing costs. Maintaining price stability is therefore a key complementary objective to developing local debt markets, ensuring that bonds remain attractive and sustainable. The broader economic context also matters. African economies face structural hurdles including reliance on commodity exports, limited industrial diversification, and infrastructural deficits. Strengthening economic fundamentals through reforms aimed at boosting growth and reducing fiscal deficits will enhance creditworthiness and market access. The rise of regional capital markets integration presents another avenue to bolster liquidity and investor interest. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the establishment of pan-African bond indices could foster cross-border investment, broadening the market beyond national boundaries. As sovereign risk dynamics evolve, credit rating agencies are recalibrating their assessments to account for greater exposure to domestic debt and currency risks. Moody's and others acknowledge that while local debt markets reduce foreign exchange exposure, they introduce new vulnerabilities related to domestic economic conditions and market depth. Continuous monitoring and adaptive policy responses will be necessary to balance these risks.