Roosevelt Ogbonna Named AFIS African Banker of the Year
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
Access Bank’s CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, emerged as the African Banker of the Year during the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS), held in Casablanca on December 9-10. This recognition highlights Ogbonna’s pivotal role in steering Access Bank towards becoming one of Africa’s top five banking giants.
A Journey of Transformation
Ogbonna’s association with Access Bank began 23 years ago when Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and the late Herbert Wigwe acquired the struggling bank. Along with colleagues from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), he played a key role in transforming Access Bank into Nigeria’s largest lender by assets.
In May 2022, Ogbonna was appointed Managing Director and CEO following the bank’s restructuring into a holding company, Access Holdings, with Access Bank as a subsidiary.
Expanding Across Africa
Under Ogbonna’s leadership, Access Bank is strategically positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s banking landscape, particularly as Western banks scale back operations on the continent.
Speaking with The Africa Report, Ogbonna confirmed the bank’s interest in acquiring Standard Chartered’s assets in Botswana, Uganda, and Zambia. These acquisitions align with Access Bank’s broader strategy of targeted growth across key markets.
“We have regular conversations with Standard Chartered and are their strategic partner on the continent,” Ogbonna said. “When they pull out of markets, we will be the counterparty they sell to. Our goal is to become a top-five bank in each African market we enter.”
A Distinguished Career
Ogbonna brings extensive experience to his leadership role. He previously served as Access Bank’s Deputy Managing Director for five years and held various positions, including Executive Director for Commercial Banking and Group Head of Commercial Banking.
His banking journey began at Lead Merchant Bank before moving to GTB in 1998 and later joining Access Bank in 2002.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Ogbonna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and multiple postgraduate degrees, including an MBA from IMD Business School in Switzerland and an LL.M in International Corporate and Commercial Law from King’s College, London.
He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, and a CFA charter holder. An alumnus of Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Ogbonna was recognized as one of the Institute of International Finance’s future global leaders in 2015.
Leadership for the Future
In addition to his role as CEO, Ogbonna serves as a non-executive director on the boards of Access Bank subsidiaries in the UK and South Africa, as well as other entities like the African Finance Corporation and Central Securities Clearing System Plc.
With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation, Ogbonna is well-positioned to guide Access Bank in its mission to reshape Africa’s banking sector.
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