AfDB Appoints Solomon Mugera as its Director of Communication and External Relations

Kenyan national, Solomon Mugera, has been appointed by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) as its new director of communications and external relations. His appointment will take effect on October 1st, 2021.

His Background

Mr Mugera has an impressive CV. A statement by the AfDB described him as a seasoned journalist and media manager with over two decades cognate experience. Prior to this time, he worked as the Head of Journalism for BBC Africa. This was a major role that saw him presiding over the BBC’s biggest expansion effort in Africa since the 1940s. He reportedly was managing an annual budget of $42 million and about 600 staff working from both the United Kingdom and across Africa.

Note that he joined the BBC in 1998 and had worked in various departments before being appointed as Editor of BBC Swahili in 2006. By 2011, he became the first African to head BBC Africa. And by 2015, Mr Mugera had been promoted to the position of Senior Leader. Prior to joining the BBC World Service, he worked with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and a privately-owned media company called Kenya Television Network.

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He is Expected to Bring Extensive Experience to his new Role

As the Director of Communication and External Relations for the AfDB, Mr. Mugera will contribute to building financial and political support for the development banking group, as well as help to strengthen the its role as a global thought leader on Africa’s development issues. He will manage corporate communications and external relations with key stakeholders, including media, civil society, foundations, the private sector, African countries, and international organizations. More so, Mr Mugera will oversee all internal communication and engagement with AfDB’s staff.

Meanwhile, Mr Mugera has reacted to his appointment and was quoted to have said that “it is an honour to work for the African Development Bank Group and support its vision for the continent. This is an institution that is leading Africa’s effort to transform itself and make a real difference to the lives of millions of its people. The Bank has the talent, the expertise, knowledge and the story that needs to be told across Africa and to a global audience.”

On his part, the AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina expressed optimism that Mr Mugera will support the bank’s vision and outreach effort.