ATIDI’s New Leadership Paves the Way for Enhanced African Trade and Investment

The African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), formerly known as the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), has announced significant leadership changes following the conclusion of its 101st meeting held on October 5, 2024. Cameroonian banker, Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly, has been elected as the new chairman, succeeding Dr. Yohannes Ayalew Birru, who completed two consecutive terms over six years. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for ATIDI, as the organization seeks to expand its role in promoting sustainable economic growth across Africa.

In addition to Prof Kingsly’s appointment, Christina Westholm-Schröder, a seasoned expert in political risk insurance and the current Chief Underwriter and Senior Vice President at Sovereign, was elected as ATIDI’s deputy chair. These changes come after the appointment of new board members during ATIDI’s Annual General Meeting, which included the introduction of the organization’s first Independent Director.

With these new appointments, ATIDI is positioning itself to strengthen its governance, enhance its visibility, and expand its impact across Africa’s trade and investment landscape. The organization, which currently serves 24 member states and boasts an asset base of $837 million, is on track to play a more prominent role in facilitating economic development on the continent.

A New Chapter in Leadership: Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly’s Vision for ATIDI

Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly brings with him a wealth of experience in finance and economic governance. He currently serves as the Director of Finance Operations at Cameroon’s Ministry of Finance and is the Censor at the Central Bank of Central African States (BEAC). He also represents Cameroon at the Regional Advisory Commission on Financial Markets (COSUMAF). In addition, Prof Kingsly is Cameroon’s designated representative with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) for Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects.

Prof Kingsly’s vast experience in both national and regional economic institutions positions him as a dynamic leader for ATIDI. His election as chairman reflects ATIDI’s confidence in his ability to steer the organization toward greater engagement with Africa’s financial and economic stakeholders. In his inaugural address, Prof Kingsly emphasized his commitment to expanding ATIDI’s outreach across the continent, particularly within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region.

“I aim to expand ATIDI’s outreach and visibility across Africa. I encourage all the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) countries to consider applying for membership in ATIDI, as this will further strengthen regional cooperation and open new avenues for economic collaboration,” Prof Kingsly stated. His focus on fostering regional cooperation highlights his strategic approach to building stronger economic ties among African nations.

Prof Kingsly’s vision for ATIDI is rooted in the idea that by enhancing the organization’s visibility and expanding its membership base, ATIDI can play a more influential role in mitigating risks associated with trade and investment on the continent. By doing so, the organization can help unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development, particularly in regions that have traditionally been underserved by global financial markets.

Christina Westholm-Schröder: A Veteran in Political Risk Insurance

The election of Christina Westholm-Schröder as deputy chair further strengthens ATIDI’s leadership team. With over 35 years of experience in the political risk insurance industry, Westholm-Schröder brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. She currently oversees all aspects of transactional underwriting at Sovereign, a leading player in the political risk insurance market, and has been instrumental in building partnerships with multilateral institutions and export credit agencies.

Westholm-Schröder’s extensive experience in managing complex transactions and her ability to navigate the intricate landscape of political risk insurance make her an invaluable asset to ATIDI. Her leadership will be critical in ensuring that the organization can effectively manage the risks associated with trade and investment in Africa, particularly in regions facing political instability or economic uncertainty.

“With the Board’s diverse expertise, we expect that we will drive impactful initiatives that foster sustainable trade and investment across Africa. This new leadership team will further enhance our outreach efforts and engage our stakeholders more effectively, creating a stronger and more connected community. Together, we are poised to make a significant difference in the economic landscape of the continent,” said Manuel Moses, ATIDI Chief Executive Officer.

Westholm-Schröder’s election as deputy chair underscores ATIDI’s commitment to building a leadership team with a diverse set of skills and experiences. Her expertise in political risk insurance will be instrumental in helping ATIDI navigate the complexities of Africa’s economic landscape and ensuring that the organization can continue to offer innovative solutions to its member states.

The Role of the New Board in Steering ATIDI’s Strategic Direction

The new leadership team at ATIDI is supported by a newly appointed board, which includes the organization’s first Independent Director. This move marks a significant step forward in strengthening ATIDI’s governance structure and ensuring that the organization operates with a high level of transparency and accountability.

The new board is expected to play a critical role in steering ATIDI’s strategic direction and governance, with a focus on enhancing the organization’s efforts to foster sustainable growth across the continent. The board’s diverse expertise, combined with the leadership of Prof Kingsly and Westholm-Schröder, will help ATIDI develop and implement initiatives that drive economic development and mitigate the risks associated with trade and investment in Africa.

The appointment of the new board members also reflects ATIDI’s commitment to evolving as an organization and responding to the changing needs of its member states. As Africa continues to face a complex set of challenges, including political instability, economic uncertainty, and the impacts of climate change, ATIDI’s role in mitigating risks and facilitating trade and investment will become increasingly important.

A Stronger ATIDI for a More Resilient Africa

As ATIDI embarks on this new chapter under the leadership of Prof Kelly Mua Kingsly and Christina Westholm-Schröder, the organization is well-positioned to expand its impact across Africa. With 24 member states and an asset base of $837 million, ATIDI has already established itself as a key player in the continent’s trade and investment landscape.

However, the challenges facing Africa’s economic development are significant. Political instability, weak infrastructure, and limited access to global markets continue to hinder the continent’s growth potential. ATIDI’s role in mitigating risks and facilitating investment is therefore critical to unlocking new opportunities for economic development.

Under the leadership of Prof Kingsly and Westholm-Schröder, ATIDI is expected to strengthen its partnerships with regional and global institutions, expand its membership base, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing Africa’s trade and investment landscape. By doing so, the organization can help build a more resilient and prosperous Africa.

Conclusion

ATIDI’s new leadership marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. With Prof Kelly Mua Kingsly at the helm as chairman and Christina Westholm-Schröder serving as deputy chair, the organization is poised to expand its impact across Africa’s trade and investment landscape. The newly appointed board, with its diverse expertise, will play a critical role in guiding ATIDI’s strategic direction and governance.

As ATIDI continues to evolve and respond to the challenges facing Africa’s economic development, its role in mitigating risks and facilitating investment will become increasingly important. With a strong leadership team in place, ATIDI is well-positioned to drive sustainable growth and create new opportunities for economic collaboration across the continent.