ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Corneille Karekezi as the new Chairperson of its Governing Council. Dr. Karekezi, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Africa Re, succeeds Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), who concluded his tenure as the Alliance’s second Chairperson since its 2024 inception.
By Francis G. Boayue
The transition was confirmed during the Ninth Meeting of the AAMFI Governing Council held on February 14, 2026 on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU Summit).
In a move to reinforce institutional coordination across the continent’s financial architecture, the Governing Council also confirmed Mr. Manuel Moses (CEO of ATIDI) as First Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann (MD/CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank) as Second Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Karekezi assumes leadership at a critical juncture as African multilateral institutions seek to mobilize long-term capital and amplify Africa’s voice in global financial reform discussions, strictly aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The Addis Ababa meeting also marked a significant expansion of the Alliance, formally admitting two heavyweight institutions Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD), Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB).
The inclusion of these members is expected to significantly enhance the Alliance’s regional reach and technical capacity in maritime, infrastructure and development finance.
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing Chair Samaila Zubairu noted that “It has been an honor to serve. Over the past year, we focused on job creation and industrial transformation. I am confident that under Dr. Karekezi’s leadership, AAMFI will continue to deepen its impact.”
Accepting the mantle, Dr. Karekezi emphasized a focus on self-reliance. “Our priority will be mobilizing African capital and ensuring the continent’s development priorities are financed through home-grown solutions,” he stated.
About AAMFI, the “Africa Club,” AAMFI was launched in February 2024 by African Heads of State to promote cooperation among African-owned financial institutions.
With the new additions, the Alliance now represents a powerhouse of institutions—including Afreximbank, TDB Group, and EADB—collectively commanding a balance sheet exceeding US$70 billion.
This collective strength is deployed to bridge critical gaps in trade, investment, and insurance across the continent.
