AfDB Appoints New Communication Director

The African Development Bank Group has appointed Mr Solomon Mugera as Director, Communication and External Relations, effective October 1, 2021.

The bank said in a statement that Mugera, a Kenyan national, would contribute to building financial and political support for the bank and strengthen the group’s role as a global thought leader on Africa’s developmental challenges.

The President, AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina said, “The African Development Bank Group is at the heart of the continent’s social-economic development. Mr Mugera will support the bank group’s vision and outreach effort to make the priorities, activities and accomplishments of the bank known by both internal and external audiences.

“He is a highly respected and motivated media professional, with a solid track record in journalism and leadership.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mugera said, “It is an honour to work for the African Development Bank Group and support its vision for the continent. This is an institution that is leading Africa’s effort to transform itself and make a real difference in the lives of millions of its people.

“The bank has the talent, expertise, knowledge and the story that needs to be told across Africa and to a global audience.”

The statement said Mugera would lead the bank group’s messaging and global strategic media relations and be responsible for internal communication and engagement with the staff.

According to the statement, as the Head of Journalism for the British Broadcasting Corporation, Africa, Mugera presided over the largest expansion of the BBC on the Africa continent since the 1940s.

It said with an annual budget of $42m, he managed a team of 600 staff in the UK and across Africa.