AFDB appoints new secretary-general

The African Development Bank (AFDB) has announced the appointment of Professor Vincent Nmehielle, as the new secretary general of the group.

Nmehielle, is a holder of Bachelor of Law degree from the Rivers State Science and Technology in Nigeria, and later Masters of Law in International Law from the University of Notre Dame Law School in the U.S.A., and a Doctorate of Juridical Science in International Law from George Washington University in the U.S.A.

Also currently an Advisory Board Member with the African Law Institute, Ottawa in Canada, and previously served as Chair of the Board, Human Rights Institute of South Africa.

Nmehielle has over 26 years in corporate legal practice, university lecturing and scholarship in international law and international civil service with a focus on international rule of law, policy, justice, governance and development in Africa.

With extensive Board experience and has served as Board member and Chair of many international organisations, he served as the Head of the University of Witwatersrand programme on Law, Justice and Development in Africa.

The appointment, which starts from September 1st, 2016, will position the Rivers state, Nigerian born Nmehielle, who is also a South African national in the senior management team of the bank.

Nmehielle said: “I am excited to join the dynamic senior leadership team being put together at the AFDB to help accelerate the transformation of the African continent.”

The President of the AFDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said of the appointment, “I am delighted to welcome Vincent Nmehielle to the AFDB Group.

“The Bank will greatly benefit from Vincent’s extensive experience in International Law, corporate governance, ability to manage highly diverse stakeholders and strengthen institutional governance to drive accountability and results. He’s a great addition to the team,” Adesina stated.