The African Development Bank Group has appointed Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani as Director General for Southern Africa and Country Manager for South Africa, and his appointment became effective May 1, 2025.
This strategic appointment aims to drive development across the Southern African region, leveraging Dr. Mbekeani’s extensive experience in development finance, trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development.
Dr. Mbekeani’s Expertise and Experience
As a Malawian national with over 25 years of senior-level experience, Dr. Mbekeani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
His previous position as Director General for East Africa and Country Manager for Kenya saw him oversee a US$16.6 billion portfolio across 13 countries. Notably, he played a crucial role in growing the Bank’s South African portfolio to US$8.5 billion.
Development Goals for Southern Africa
Dr. Mbekeani’s appointment is expected to have a significant impact on the development of Southern Africa. Some of the key areas of focus are likely to include:
Infrastructure Development
Enhancing infrastructure development to promote economic growth, trade, and regional integration.
Trade and Regional Integration
Fostering trade and regional integration to increase economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
Private Sector Development
Supporting private sector development to drive economic growth and job creation.
Poverty Reduction
Implementing initiatives to reduce poverty and improve living standards in Southern Africa.
Impact on Southern Africa
The appointment of Dr. Mbekeani is expected to have a positive impact on the development of Southern Africa. With his expertise and experience, he is well-positioned to drive growth, promote investment, and foster regional integration. Some potential benefits of his appointment include:
Increased Investment
Dr. Mbekeani’s experience in development finance and trade is likely to attract increased investment to the region.
Improved Infrastructure
Enhanced infrastructure development will promote economic growth, trade, and regional integration.
Job Creation
Initiatives to support private sector development and poverty reduction are likely to create jobs and improve living standards.
The African Development Bank’s appointment of Dr. Mbekeani as Director General for Southern Africa and Country Manager for South Africa is a strategic move to drive development across the region.
With his extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Mbekeani is well-positioned to promote economic growth, trade, and regional integration, ultimately improving the lives of people in Southern Africa.