FEDA Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Emmanuel Assiak as CEO, Effective December 15, 2025
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the investment arm of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Assiak as its Chief Executive Officer, effective December 15, 2025. This leadership transition is particularly significant as FEDA seeks to enhance its investment initiatives aimed at promoting Africa’s export development and industrialization, especially in light of ongoing capital flight challenges.
Strategic Importance of FEDA’s Leadership Change
FEDA’s core mission is to mobilize and allocate capital into export-oriented sectors that align with Afreximbank’s strategic objectives. The selection of Mr. Assiak is anticipated to provide the robust leadership necessary to navigate the complexities of Africa’s economic landscape. His extensive background in financial services, particularly in private equity, positions him to effectively advance FEDA’s goals.
Mr. Assiak brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, including two decades focused on private equity. His proven track record encompasses leading large-scale investments across various African markets, with expertise in transaction structuring, capital deployment, and value creation. He has played a pivotal role in executing complex transactions and facilitating investor exits, contributing to the growth of numerous sectors across the continent.
Mr. Assiak’s Background and Experience
Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Assiak served as FEDA’s Pioneer Director and Managing Director/Chief Investment Officer for over six years. He has been integral to FEDA’s development since its inception, playing a crucial role in establishing its investment platforms and expanding its portfolio. His interim leadership as Chief Executive Officer since November 2025 has further solidified his qualifications for this permanent role.
Before joining FEDA in 2019, Mr. Assiak held senior positions at African Capital Alliance, a pan-African investment group, as well as in the Nigerian banking sector, including roles at Zenith Bank Plc and Continental Trust Bank. His educational credentials include an MBA from Manchester Business School, a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Lagos, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Cross River State. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and holds an executive certification in Private Equity from the Coller Institute, London Business School.
Implications for Africa’s Export Development
Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of both the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and FEDA, emphasized the importance of Mr. Assiak’s leadership. He noted that Mr. Assiak’s deep institutional knowledge and understanding of Africa’s private equity market are vital for strengthening the continent’s private sector, a critical driver of intra-African trade and economic transformation. Under Mr. Assiak’s leadership, FEDA is expected to continue mobilizing and deploying strategic investments aimed at accelerating industrialization and enhancing export development across Africa.
In his remarks regarding his appointment, Mr. Assiak expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors for their trust and confidence. He highlighted FEDA’s role in mobilizing long-term capital for Africa’s export and industrial sectors and reiterated the organization’s commitment to building on its strong foundation. He aims to deepen FEDA’s impact by scaling investments that unlock value and support the continent’s industrialization agenda.
FEDA’s Investment Strategy and Future Directions
FEDA operates as an impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank, focusing on addressing the multi-billion-dollar funding gap in Africa’s trade sector. The organization employs a multi-sector investment strategy that encompasses intra-African trade, value-added export development, and the manufacturing value chain. This strategy includes sectors such as financial services, technology, consumer goods, manufacturing, transport and logistics, agribusiness, and trade-enabling infrastructure.
To date, FEDA has invested over $1.3 billion in various companies and projects, contributing to sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, financial services, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The leadership of Mr. Assiak is expected to further enhance FEDA’s capabilities in these areas, particularly as the organization seeks to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
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Published on 2026-06-02 22:40:00 • By the Editorial Desk
