CAIRO, June 3 – The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the private equity and impact investment arm of African Export-Import Bank, has appointed Emmanuel Assiak as its new Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment, which took effect on December 15, 2025, comes as FEDA accelerates efforts to expand investment activity across Africa and deepen support for export-led industrialization, value addition and private-sector development.
Assiak takes over leadership of the institution after serving in several senior positions since FEDA’s establishment, including as Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer. He had also been serving as interim Chief Executive Officer since November 2025.
His appointment comes at a critical period for the organization as African economies seek to attract long-term capital, strengthen industrial capacity and reduce reliance on external financing amid growing global economic uncertainty.
With more than three decades of experience in banking, investment management and private equity, Assiak brings extensive expertise in structuring investments, mobilizing capital and building businesses across multiple African markets.
Over the course of his career, he has led transactions across a range of sectors, served on corporate boards and overseen investment strategies aimed at generating both financial returns and developmental impact.
Before joining FEDA, Assiak held senior investment roles at African Capital Alliance and previously worked in Nigeria’s banking sector, including positions at Zenith Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa.
Since joining FEDA in 2019, he has played a central role in building the institution’s investment platforms and expanding its portfolio of strategic investments across the continent.
His leadership has been closely associated with FEDA’s efforts to channel long-term capital into sectors aligned with Africa’s trade and industrial development priorities.
Commenting on the appointment, George Elombi said Assiak’s extensive knowledge of African private equity markets and institutional experience would support FEDA’s mission of strengthening Africa’s private sector and promoting economic transformation.
According to Elombi, FEDA is expected to continue increasing investments that support industrialization, regional trade integration and export competitiveness across African economies.
Assiak said his priority would be to build on the institution’s existing foundation while expanding its impact through larger and more strategic investments.
He noted that FEDA remains focused on mobilizing long-term capital for export-oriented industries and supporting initiatives that strengthen intra-African trade and economic development.
The new chief executive will be based in Kigali, Rwanda, where FEDA maintains its headquarters.
The appointment reflects the growing importance of development-focused investment institutions in addressing Africa’s financing gaps and supporting the continent’s long-term industrial and trade ambitions.
