Vivienne Yeda has officially retired as the Director General of the East African Development Bank (EADB) after a remarkable 17-year tenure that significantly shaped the bank’s growth and success. The Board of Directors of EADB announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2024, marking the end of an era for the institution.
Yeda’s leadership journey with EADB began in 2008, when she joined the bank at a crucial time in its history. Over the years, she steered the institution through significant transformations, positioning it as a major player in development financing across East Africa. Under her stewardship, the bank saw an impressive growth trajectory, with its total assets nearly doubling, rising from USD 244 million in 2008 to USD 497 million in 2024.
One of Yeda’s notable achievements was the reversal of the bank’s profitability. When she took office, EADB was struggling with a loss of USD 9 million. However, through effective leadership and strategic management, Yeda was able to turn the situation around, and by 2024, the bank was posting a profit of USD 13 million. This financial turnaround is a testament to her leadership skills and the impact of her decisions in strengthening the bank’s position in the region.
Furthermore, Yeda oversaw a remarkable reduction in the bank’s Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). From a high of 26% in 2009, NPLs fell to just 0.88% in 2024, reflecting the sound risk management strategies put in place under her guidance. Additionally, EADB achieved an impressive A credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, further solidifying its standing in the financial sector.
Yeda’s leadership was also instrumental in advancing the bank’s mission to support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the East African region. Through targeted lending programs, EADB supported businesses in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, contributing to the economic development of the region in line with the bank’s strategic goals.
In her retirement announcement, the Board of Directors expressed deep gratitude to Yeda for her tireless dedication and transformative leadership. They recognized her contributions to EADB’s growth and her role in cementing the bank’s reputation as a premier development lender in East Africa.
In the wake of her departure, the Board has appointed Benard Paul Mono as the acting Director General of the bank, pending the conclusion of the recruitment process for a permanent successor. Mono, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in development finance, is poised to continue Yeda’s legacy and steer EADB into the future.
Yeda’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious chapter for EADB, but her legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the bank and the region’s financial landscape.
