Head of African Trade Center Global, Real Estate & Administration at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)

Job Summary

• The Head of African Trade Center Global is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and business development for the African Trade Center (ATC) Global operations.
• This role involves driving trade facilitation, investment promotion, and policy advocacy to support intra-African and global trade initiatives.
• The incumbent will work closely with governments, trade organizations, financial institutions, and key stakeholders to enhance the African Trade Center’s position as a global trade hub.
• The Head of ATC Global will develop and implement strategies to expand trade networks, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure alignment with Afreximbank’s mission of promoting African trade and economic growth.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Development:

• Develop and implement the global strategic vision for the African Trade Center, aligning with Afreximbank’s trade and investment objectives.
• Lead the expansion of ATC operations globally, identifying new trade opportunities, partnerships, and investment corridors.
• Establish and maintain high-level relationships with African governments, international trade bodies, multilateral institutions, and corporate entities.
• Drive policy advocacy and trade reforms, working with government agencies and trade associations to remove trade barriers and enhance market access.
• Develop and implement trade facilitation programs, including capacity-building initiatives, market intelligence reports, and trade financing solutions.
• Oversee global trade missions, business summits, and networking events, positioning the African Trade Center as a key player in international trade and investment.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Oversee all ATC global operations, ensuring efficiency in service delivery, operational frameworks, and financial performance.
• Develop and manage the annual budget and financial plans, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and financial sustainability.
• Optimize operational processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness, risk management, and regulatory compliance across all ATC locations.
• Lead the development of digital trade platforms, integrating AI, blockchain, and fintech solutions to streamline trade transactions.
• Monitor trade volumes, financial performance, and impact metrics, providing regular reports and recommendations to senior management and the Board.
• Collaborate with Afreximbank’s financial services teams to develop customized trade finance solutions for businesses and government entities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Trade Facilitation:

• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with regional trade blocs (AfCFTA, COMESA, ECOWAS), global financial institutions, and investment agencies.
• Develop and implement B2B and B2G engagement strategies, facilitating trade deals, joint ventures, and investment agreements.
• Represent ATC Global in high-level trade negotiations, forums, and diplomatic engagements, advocating for African trade and investment opportunities.
• Collaborate with research and policy teams to generate market intelligence reports, trade insights, and investment roadmaps for African and global markets.
• Oversee trade infrastructure development initiatives, including logistics hubs, special economic zones, and digital trade platforms.

Team Leadership & Performance Management:

• Lead and mentor a global team, ensuring high performance, professional development, and knowledge-sharing across all trade centers.
• Establish a results-driven performance management system, tracking trade volumes, partnerships, and financial performance.
• Cultivate a collaborative work environment, fostering innovation and promoting a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of top talent to enhance ATC’s operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Encourage cross-functional collaboration with Afreximbank’s financial, legal, policy, and communications teams to drive trade facilitation.

Risk & Compliance Management:

• Develop and enforce risk mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with international trade laws, banking regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Work with legal and compliance teams to monitor and manage regulatory risks, sanctions, and trade restrictions.
• Implement anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) policies to ensure transparency and accountability in trade finance operations.
• Oversee the assessment of geopolitical risks, ensuring ATC’s operations remain resilient in dynamic global trade environments.

Other Responsibilities:

• Represent ATC Global in high-profile trade conferences, investment summits, and international business delegations.
• Provide advisory support to senior leadership, government officials, and trade policymakers on strategies to enhance Africa’s global trade competitiveness.
• Drive continuous innovation, leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to enhance trade facilitation and investment flows.

Requirements for the Role
Education & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Trade, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Trade Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or International Business (e.g., CIPS, CITP, IFC FIT, WTO Certificate in Trade Finance, etc.) are an added advantage.
• Additional training or certification in Leadership, Strategic Management, or Public Policy is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of senior leadership experience in trade finance, international trade, investment promotion, or economic development.
• Extensive experience in leading large-scale trade facilitation projects, regional economic integration, and business expansion initiatives.
• Proven track record in policy advocacy, trade negotiations, and working with government entities, trade blocs, and financial institutions.
• Strong experience in developing and managing trade hubs, logistics centers, or international trade zones.
• Experience in managing multi-country operations and working in cross-cultural environments.
• Deep understanding of African trade ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, and the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Expertise in international trade finance, export-import policies, and trade facilitation instruments.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, financial modeling, investment structuring, and risk management.
• Familiarity with global supply chains, trade logistics, customs regulations, and digital trade platforms.
• Knowledge of WTO agreements, trade finance solutions, and international trade compliance.
• Proficiency in procurement frameworks, trade deal structuring, and market entry strategies.
• Experience with public-private partnerships (PPPs), trade missions, and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction strategies.
• Technological proficiency in ERP systems, trade finance platforms, AI-driven trade analytics, and blockchain-based trade solutions.

Soft Skills & Leadership Capabilities:

• Visionary leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to drive large-scale trade and investment initiatives.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of securing high-value trade agreements.
• Exceptional communication and diplomacy skills, with experience representing organizations at international trade forums.
• Ability to work effectively with high-level government officials, trade policymakers, and global financial institutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and business development.
• Adaptability and agility in managing complex trade environments, geopolitical risks, and regulatory challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performance teams, ensuring continuous professional development and innovation.

Key Competencies & Skills Required:

• Proven leadership experience in international trade, investment promotion, or trade finance.
• Strong knowledge of African trade policies, AfCFTA, WTO agreements, and regional trade blocs.
• Expertise in global supply chains, trade logistics, and trade finance solutions.
• Demonstrated success in building high-level partnerships with governments, financial institutions, and trade organizations.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management, investment structuring, and business expansion.
• Ability to negotiate complex trade agreements and investment deals at a global level.
• Proficiency in digital trade platforms, fintech innovations, and blockchain-based trade solutions.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret trade trends and market intelligence reports.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French or other African languages is an advantage.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in French, Arabic, Portuguese, or other African languages is a significant advantage.