Mrs. Kanayo Awani stands as a dynamic and transformative leader in the realm of African trade and industrialization. As the Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank (IATB) at Afreximbank, she orchestrates strategic initiatives that bolster the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and drive the continent’s economic development. A distinguished academic background fortifies her leadership, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and a Master of Public Administration in International Trade and Finance from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where she was honored with the Edward S. Mason Fellowship in Public Policy and Management.

Mrs. Awani’s career is marked by a formidable tenure at Citigroup in Nigeria, spanning nearly 17 years, where she ascended to the role of Vice President and Head of Industrial & Commercial Corporates. Since joining Afreximbank in 2009, her visionary leadership has been pivotal in expanding the Bank’s assets from $1.4 billion to approximately $30 billion by 2022. Her strategic oversight led to the historic signing of the AfCFTA in Kigali in March 2018, a cornerstone in Africa’s economic integration.

Committed to Africa’s industrialization, Mrs. Awani has spearheaded the development of Industrial Parks and Export Processing Zones, and played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic in harmonizing standards for pharmaceuticals and medical consumables. She is the architect behind the African Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme, designed to streamline cross-border trade, and drives innovative initiatives such as the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), which dedicates a $1 billion facility to support diverse sectors.

Mrs. Awani’s dedication extends beyond the continent, fostering Africa-Caribbean trade and investment through the Bank’s Diaspora Strategy in line with the African Union’s agenda for the 6th Region. Her relentless efforts continue to shape a prosperous future for Africa, making her a cornerstone of the continent’s economic renaissance.