The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed a Malawian Kennedy Mbekeani as deputy director general for the southern Africa region, a statement from the pan-African bank has said.
AfDB has since hailed Mbekeani as a seasoned development economist with over 20 years of senior level country and regional experience in development finance, project management, policy advisory services and knowledge generation.
In a statement, AfDB says Mbekeani joined the bank in 2009 as chief trade and regional integration officer and has held various positions within the bank and worked across Africa.
Reads the statement in part: “He provided leadership in formulating the bank’s trade assistance strategy to regional economic communities and on policy research on international trade, economic integration and development.”
AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina is quoted as having said that Mbekeani is a rounded professional with broad experience in international development.
“His capacity to deliver in various areas will help to build strong partnerships in the region and to promote both private and public sectors operations,” he said.
Commenting on his appointment, Mbekeani said he was pleased to work with AfDB’s top management to support execution of his vision for the bank and the continent and accelerate delivery on the High Five.
AfDB previously also appointed Malawian national the late Tonia Kandiero as director general for the Southern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office.
