Samaila Zubairu: A Trailblazer in African Investment and Economic Development

A native of West Africa, Zubairu’s career is marked by a deep commitment to fostering sustainable growth and creating opportunities for businesses and communities in emerging markets.

Born and raised in West Africa, he grew up in a region that is rich in cultural diversity and economic potential.

His early exposure to the challenges and opportunities within his community inspired him to pursue a career that could meaningfully impact the continent’s economic future.

Zubairu’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future successes. He holds a BSc in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.

This provided him with a solid understanding of financial principles, which he has applied throughout his illustrious career.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Nigeria (FCA), underscoring his expertise in financial management and strategic planning.

Zubairu has built an illustrious career in the investment management sector, particularly within private equity and venture capital.

Over the years, he has held several high-ranking positions in notable organizations, where his leadership has driven significant growth and transformation.

He began his career with key roles in some of Africa’s most influential companies, serving as the Treasurer for Dangote Group and later as the Chief Financial Officer for Dangote Cement Plc.

In July 2018, he was appointed as the 3rd President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

This role marked a new era of leadership for the organization, as Zubairu spearheaded the development and implementation of a five-year corporate strategy focused on accelerating development impact across Africa.

The strategy’s core objectives include increasing energy access for Africans, driving the sustainable development of natural resources, enhancing transport and logistics infrastructure, supporting heavy industries, and improving telecommunications and technology access.

Under his leadership, AFC’s total assets grew exponentially from US$4.1 billion when he joined to $10.6 billion by 2022.

Despite global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, AFC’s Total Comprehensive Income nearly doubled from US$118 million in 2018 to US$214 million in 2022.

Zubairu has been involved in initiatives aimed at fostering economic development across West Africa.

His work has particularly focused on critical sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and finance.

Through these initiatives, Zubairu has helped create a more conducive environment for business growth and has improved access to capital for local enterprises.