LEAP Africa appoints six new board directors

LEAP Africa, a leadership development organization catering to young people, has appointed six new board directors to bolster its governance and enhance its pan-African initiatives. The members of the newly formed board boast a wealth of experience in telecommunications, finance, investment, corporate governance, technology, and international development.

The appointments include Toyin Akinniyi, Regional Portfolio Director at Luminate; Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom; Ifeoma Finnih, Director of Infrastructure and Climate at Chapel Hill Denham; Remilekun Soyannwo, CEO of Shell Pension Fund; Sobel Ngom, CEO of Tostan International; and Victor Onyenkpa, former Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Africa.

LEAP Africa's Board Chair, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, emphasized the significance of the appointments, stating that the organization's governance is vital for its ability to create a lasting impact. She expressed satisfaction in welcoming individuals with impressive professional accomplishments, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to Africa's development.

Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, noted that the board members' experience, networks, and strategic insights would be invaluable in fostering new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Disu, with over two decades of experience in telecommunications, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, played a key role in digital transformation and business growth across West Africa as the Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom.

Soyannwo, with more than 30 years of experience in financial management, corporate finance, and investment governance, served as the Chief Financial Officer of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company and is an Independent Non-Executive Director on the boards of Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited and Pan Ocean Oil & Gas Group Limited.

Finnih, with over 17 years of experience in banking, infrastructure finance, and investment management, oversees portfolios supporting infrastructure development, energy access, and climate resilience at Chapel Hill Denham. Onyenkpa, who has over three decades of experience in governance, finance, and risk management across Africa, brings his expertise to LEAP Africa.

Akinniyi, with over two decades of experience in philanthropy and international development, focuses on strategy, impact investing, technology governance, and grantmaking at Luminate. Ngom, who leads Tostan International, contributes a Francophone West African perspective and expertise in organizational strategy, program leadership, and impact measurement.