Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani, is the new Director General for African Development Bank’s Southern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office, and Country Manager for South Africa, effective May 1, 2025.
The Bank said Dr. Mbekeani brings over 25 years of senior-level experience in development finance, project management, policy advisory services, and knowledge generation at both country and regional levels.
His expertise spans several areas critical to Africa’s development, including trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development.
Before this appointment, Dr. Mbekeani served as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office and Country Manager for Kenya, overseeing a $16.6 billion portfolio across 13 countries.
Earlier, he was Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Region, leading business development and project delivery for sovereign and non-sovereign operations in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, and Mauritius.
His leadership contributed to the growth of the Bank’s regional portfolio to $8.5 billion, enhancing its reputation as a trusted development partner.
Dr. Mbekeani joined the African Development Bank in 2009 as Chief Trade and Regional Integration Officer.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in economics and statistics from the University of Malawi, an MPhil in monetary economics from the University of Glasgow, and an MA and a PhD in international economics from the University of California.
He has also authored many publications on trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development in Africa.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Mbekeani said “I am deeply grateful to President Adesina for the confidence placed in me to take on this new responsibility as Director General for the Southern Africa Region. I look forward to contributing to our team’s success in my new capacity.”