NAIROBI, Kenya — Shelter Afrique Development Bank, a Pan-African multilateral development bank focused on housing and urban development, has elected Lionel Zinsou as the new chairman of its Board of Directors.
Zinsou, a distinguished economist, investment banker and former prime minister of the Republic of Benin from 2015 to 2016, was elected during the 149th meeting of the board on Dec. 11. Said Athman Mtwana was named vice chairman.
Zinsou said he was “honored to assume the Chairmanship of ShafDB at this pivotal moment in its transformation.” He pledged to steer the bank with “clarity, purpose, and ambition” to ensure its investments strengthen communities and unlock economic opportunity across the continent.
Mtwana, who holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, represents Group 1 Member States and brings expertise in urban development policy and built-environment economics.
Mtwana said he looks forward to advancing “innovative urban development solutions, and uphold the governance needed to deliver lasting, inclusive growth across our Member States.”
Thierno-Habib Hann, managing director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, welcomed the new leadership, noting their combined experience in global finance and public policy comes at a defining moment for the bank.
Hann also expressed appreciation to the outgoing chairperson, Dr. Chii Akporji, and the outgoing vice chairman, Ahmed Belayat, for their dedicated service.
The leadership transition reaffirms the bank’s mandate to finance affordable housing and advance its vision for sustainable and inclusive urban growth across Africa.
