LEAP Africa appoints six new board directors

LEAP Africa, a leadership development organisation focused on young people, has appointed six professionals to its Board of Directors in order to strengthen its governance and support its pan-African work.

The appointees bring experience across telecommunications, finance, investment, corporate governance, technology and international development.

The organisation has appointed Regional Portfolio Director at Luminate, Toyin Akinniyi; Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Bella Disu; Director, Infrastructure and Climate at Chapel Hill Denham, Ifeoma Finnih; Chief Executive Officer of Shell Pension Fund, Remilekun Soyannwo; Chief Executive Officer of Tostan International, Sobel Ngom; and former Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Africa, Victor Onyenkpa.

The organisation said the appointments would bring perspectives from the private and development sectors to its mission of inspiring and empowering young Africans for transformative personal, organisational and community leadership.

Board Chair, Mrs Clare Omatseye, said: “As LEAP Africa continues to evolve, the strength of our governance remains central to our ability to deliver lasting impact. We are pleased to welcome six individuals whose professional accomplishments, leadership experience and commitment to Africa’s development will enrich our Board’s deliberations and deepen our strategic oversight.”

She added that the appointments reflected the organisation’s commitment to building a resilient, future-ready institution able to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing young Africans.

On her part, the Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni, said the organisation was at an important stage in its journey. “As we expand our reach and deepen the quality of our programmes, their experience, networks and strategic insights will be invaluable in opening new opportunities for collaboration and innovation,” she said.

Ms. Disu has over two decades’ experience in telecommunications, corporate governance, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. As Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, she has been involved in digital transformation and business growth across West Africa.

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Mrs. Soyannwo has over 30 years’ experience in financial management, corporate finance and investment governance. She was previously Chief Financial Officer of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, and serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the boards of Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited and Pan Ocean Oil & Gas Group Limited.

Mrs. Finnih has over 17 years’ experience in banking, infrastructure finance and investment management. At Chapel Hill Denham, she manages portfolios supporting infrastructure development, energy access and climate resilience.

 Mr. Onyenkpa has over three decades’ experience in governance, finance and risk management across Africa.

Also, Mrs. Akinniyi has over two decades’ experience in philanthropy and international development, covering strategy, impact investing, technology governance and grantmaking. At Luminate, she leads work across Africa at the intersection of technology and socioeconomic justice.

Mr. Ngom leads Tostan International, an organisation advancing community-led development and social

transformation. His appointment adds a Francophone West African perspective and expertise in

organisational strategy, programme leadership and impact measurement.