Home: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Birthplace: Freetown, Sierra Leone. Profession: International banker. Organization: African Development Bank Group. Title: Country Manager. Alma mater: American University, Washington, DC. Languages spoken: English and French.
Recent professional development: Managing investment assets of about US $3 billion in the United Republic of Tanzania in Africa. Latest accomplishment: Board approval of the Standard Guage Railway for Tanzania. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? To serve as Deputy Minister of Finance in the Republic of Sierra Leone. Hobbies: Reading and praying.
Personality profile: Dynamic and energetic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Focused. Moral compass: The Bible. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutually beneficial. What is your greatest joy? Development progress in poor communities. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Capital markets. How do you relieve stress? Reading and praying.
What was your first paying job? Internship at Amnesty International in Washington, DC. What book have you repeatedly read? Peace is Every Step, by Thich Nhat Hanh. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Maps of Tanzania. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be content with what you have. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Remain focused. What is your go-to source of news and information? Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11.
What is your big idea?
Lighting up the entire continent of Africa and providing access to the internet.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Improving electricity and internet connectivity across Africa. What mega-trend most excites you? Electric and battery-operated vehicles.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Bridging Worlds: Finance, Freedom & Future. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Lupita Nyong’o. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A diplomat. What advice would you give your younger self? Keep your curiosity fearless, your compassion loud, and your impatience quiet. Real change takes time.
Personal mission: To lead by example, cherish my family and contribute to my community with integrity and kindness. Personal motto: Believe in something, do your best work, stay humble.
