African Leadership Magazine has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025 list—an esteemed editorial recognition celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership across Africa’s financial services and economic governance landscape.
Among the distinguished honorees are Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, Managing Director and CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank), and Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance.
Their inclusion in this year’s list highlights their exemplary contributions to economic reform, institutional resilience, and inclusive development.
These leaders have demonstrated remarkable skills in navigating complex economic environments, championing strategic reforms, and restoring confidence in their national and regional economies.
Their efforts have been pivotal in advancing digital finance, bolstering investor trust, and strengthening governance frameworks that support sustainable economic growth.
“As Africa continues to emerge as a formidable force in the global economy, these finance leaders are setting new benchmarks for financial leadership and vision,” said Dr. Ken Giami, Publisher and CEO of African Leadership Magazine. “They have not only overcome significant challenges but are actively shaping a future defined by growth, transparency, and resilience.”
The selection process for the Top 25 list is meticulous and transparent, beginning with nominations from a global panel of experts in finance and banking.
The editorial board then evaluates candidates based on their leadership, impact, and long-term influence on Africa’s financial sector. This thorough approach ensures that only the most deserving individuals—those truly transforming the continent’s economic narrative are recognized.
The honorees were formally celebrated at the African Finance Leadership Forum on April 22, 2025, held at the United States Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
ALM Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025 include:
Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah – President/Chairman, African Export–Import Bank
Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Investment Promotion, Zimbabwe
Abdellatif Jouahri – Governor, Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco)
Jeremy Awori – Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Inc.
Situmbeko Musokotwane – Minister of Finance, Zambia
Johnny Ohisa Damian – Governor, Bank of South Sudan
Paul Russo – CEO, KCB Group PLC, Kenya
Samaila Zubairu – President/CEO, Africa Finance Corporation
Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana
Olusegun Alebiosu – CEO, FirstBank Group, Nigeria
Rindra Rabarinirinarison – Minister of Economy and Finance, Madagascar
Mary Vilakazi – CEO, Firstrand Limited, South Africa
Mamo E. Mihretu – Governor, National Bank of Ethiopia
Kennedy Bungane – Group CEO, African Bank, South Africa
Rama Krishna Sithanen – Governor, Bank of Mauritius
Idrissa Nassa – CEO, Coris Bank Group, Burkina Faso
Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura – Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone
Carolina Abel – Governor, Central Bank of Seychelles
Walton Ekundayo Gilpin – MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone
Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum – Group CEO, Oragroup SA, Cameroon
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina – President, African Development Bank Group
Sheikh Diba – Minister of Finance and Budget, Senegal
Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela – CEO, CRDB Bank Plc, Tanzania
Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah – Minister of Finance, Libya
Hon. Henry F. Saamoi – Governor, Central Bank of Liberia
