Financial Afrik, a Pan-African news magazine has recognized Ghana’s Dr. George Agyekum Nana Donkor as the Development Banker of 2022.
In the magazine’s list of the 100 personalities who are transforming Africa in 2022, Dr. Agyekum Donkor was adjudged the Development Banker of the year.
Dr. Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), received recognition for his exceptional work in improving the financial stability of the bank and strengthening its fundraising efforts.
Under George Agyekum Donkor’s leadership, the bank was able to improve its ratings with agencies such as Fitch and Moody’s, even amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
As a result, the bank’s outlook improved from B2 (negative outlook) to B2 with a stable outlook. In November 2022, the bank also approved a capital increase, which will take effect in January 2023 and increase the bank’s capital from 1.5 to 3.5 billion dollars.
Agyekum Donkor’s recognition comes on the back of a recent honour by the Crans Montana forum in Geneva, Switzerland for his numerous contributions to the socio-economic development of the sub-region.
Other Outstanding Achievements of Dr. Agyekum Donkor
Ensuing Dr. Agyekum Donkor’s appointment as leader of EBID, the bank has seen significant success, including a 22% growth in its balance sheet and a 158% oversubscription of its 2021 UEMOA bond issuance, which was completed within 24 hours. These accomplishments demonstrate increased investor confidence in the bank.
EBID has achieved significant financial milestones with Dr. Donkor as President and Board Chairman, including the mobilization of 404 million USD and recovery of over 20 million USD in impaired and written-off loans. This has helped to reduce the bank’s non-performing loans to 5%.
Other noteworthy feats recorded include; improvements in governance, human resource development, the Bank’s visibility, processes and procedures, and information technology, among others.
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor has over 28 years’ experience in senior management roles in finance, strategic management, marketing, legal, compliance and administration.
Prior to becoming President and Board Chairman of EBID, Dr. Agyekum Donkor served as Vice-President in charge of Finance and Corporate Services for over seven years and as Head of the Legal Division/Compliance for four years.
The Development Banker of the Year category also included the following individuals: Sidi Ould Tah, Director General of the Arab Bank for International Development in Africa; Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank; Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, United Nations Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and Director General of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group; Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank and Admassu Tadesse; President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB Group, former PTA Bank); the COMESA Trade and Development Bank (Eastern and Southern Africa).
Financial Afrik
Financial Afrik was launched in 2013 and is specialized in delivering financial information to the business community across Africa, particularly the West African bloc through its website and various media.
The Pan-African newspaper has correspondents across major capitals and introduced the prestigious awards eight years ago.
The Financial Afrik rankings are carried out by a selection committee that evaluates individual’s achievements, social and environmental impact, and risk-taking efforts of over the past 12 months, who have contributed to the development of the African continent.
Extra effort is placed on the independence of the selection jury and that credibility has ensured that the rankings have gained significant global prestige.
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