African Multilateral Finance Alliance Strengthens Governance Under New Chair

The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) has appointed Corneille Karekezi as Chairperson of its Governing Council, succeeding Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), who served as the Alliance’s second Chairperson following its establishment in 2024.

The appointment was confirmed during the Ninth Meeting of the AAMFI Governing Council held on 14 February 2026, on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dr. Karekezi currently serves as Group Managing Director and CEO of the African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re). He assumes leadership at a pivotal time as African multilateral financial institutions intensify collaboration to mobilize long-term capital, strengthen the continent’s financial architecture, and promote Africa-led solutions to development financing challenges.

Under his stewardship, AAMFI is expected to advance stronger institutional coordination, close financing gaps, and amplify Africa’s voice in global financial reform discussions in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

New Vice-Chairpersons Confirmed

The Governing Council also confirmed key leadership appointments:

• Manuel Moses, CEO of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), as First Vice-Chairperson

• Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and CEO of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank, as Second Vice-Chairperson

Membership Expansion

The meeting also marked a significant milestone with the formal admission of two new members:

• Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB)

• Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD)

Their inclusion broadens AAMFI’s regional footprint and strengthens its capacity across maritime, infrastructure, trade, and development finance.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Zubairu described it as an honour to serve as Chairperson, noting progress made in job creation, industrial transformation, and institutional collaboration. He expressed confidence that Dr. Karekezi’s leadership would further deepen AAMFI’s impact.

On his appointment, Dr. Karekezi stated that his priority would be mobilizing African capital, enhancing institutional collaboration, and ensuring Africa’s development priorities are financed in ways that advance Agenda 2063.