Empowering Africa's Energy Future: Lead the Africa Energy Bank as CEO

The African continent stands at a pivotal moment, navigating complex energy demands while striving for sustainable development. In response to global energy financing shifts and the critical need for robust, indigenous support, the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has spearheaded the creation of a groundbreaking institution: the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

We are seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Africa Energy Bank. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction and operational framework of a multilateral financial institution destined to redefine Africa's energy landscape, driving both traditional and renewable energy initiatives to foster economic growth and resilience across the continent.

About Our Foundation: Afreximbank and the Vision for AEB

Established in 1993, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been a steadfast pillar in promoting and financing intra-African and extra-African trade. Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, with a strong presence across the continent, Afreximbank’s mandate is rooted in supporting Africa's economic sovereignty. The Africa Energy Bank emerges from this legacy, conceived as a treaty-based multilateral financial institution to address the continent's specific energy financing constraints. The AEB's mission is clear: to accelerate Africa's access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063. It will play a crucial role in closing critical financing gaps, supporting the full energy spectrum from fossil fuels to renewables.

The Opportunity: Shape a Continent's Energy Destiny

As CEO, you will be at the helm of establishing, operationalizing, and growing the Africa Energy Bank from its very foundations. This role calls for an extraordinary leader capable of navigating intricate financial landscapes, fostering high-level relationships, and championing innovative solutions to Africa's energy challenges.

Key Responsibilities of the CEO:

Leadership and Strategy: You will lead the full physical and legal establishment of the AEB, crafting and implementing its strategic vision, governance frameworks, and operational systems. This includes driving digital transformation, expanding the Bank’s membership among eligible African States, and ensuring the Bank vigorously supports energy security, financial sovereignty, and Africa's industrialization agenda.
Stakeholder & Institutional Relations: Build and maintain critical relationships with founding promoters (Afreximbank and APPO), governments, regulators, Development Financial Institutions (DFIs), and other strategic partners. You will serve as the principal representative of AEB on global platforms, articulating its mandate and value proposition.
Operational Oversight: Exercise comprehensive oversight of resource mobilization, fund disbursement, and robust risk management practices, all while upholding shareholder expectations. Ensuring strict compliance with AML, anti-bribery, governance, and operational frameworks will be paramount. You will also manage the Bank’s financial performance, governance systems, and foster a culture of excellence in staff development.
Innovation and Impact: Drive the development of innovative products and funding models across the entire energy value chain. Your leadership will ensure balanced financing for both fossil and renewable energy projects, designing mechanisms that improve access to energy infrastructure and enhance resilience against climate risks.

Who We Are Looking For:

We seek an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to Africa’s development.

Experience & Qualifications: You will bring a minimum of 18 years of relevant experience in development finance, energy finance, or investment banking, with a significant focus on the African continent. A Bachelor's and Master's degree in Finance, Banking, Law, Management, Engineering, Economics, or other relevant disciplines are required. Professional certifications such as CFA or CPA may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.
Expertise: Demonstrated strong background in resource mobilization, portfolio management, and intricate deal structuring for energy sector investments is essential. Extensive leadership experience within multilateral development institutions, energy-focused banks, or similar high-level financial institutions is a distinct advantage.
Sector Knowledge: Possess deep knowledge of Africa’s diverse energy markets, encompassing both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. A track record in developing innovative financing solutions for energy infrastructure and transition strategies, coupled with an understanding of climate-related investment dynamics and energy security challenges in African contexts, is crucial.
Leadership & Interpersonal Competencies: Exhibit visionary leadership, strategic planning acumen, and proven change management expertise. Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills across political, regulatory, and financial landscapes are paramount. Excellent communication skills in English are required, with working knowledge of French and/or Arabic being a significant advantage. The role demands willingness to travel extensively and thrive in complex, multicultural environments.

Measuring Success:

Your performance will be evaluated against key metrics including the volume of energy projects financed (traditional and renewable), Return on Equity (ROE), Net Interest Margin (NIM), strategic initiative implementation rate, stakeholder satisfaction, governance and compliance ratings, innovation in financial product development, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) outcomes.

This is more than a job; it is a calling to make a profound impact on Africa's future. Join us in building a resilient, prosperous, and energy-secure continent.