The newly appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the African Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi has reiterated its commitment to the development of the African continent through key infrastructure financing.

Ogunlesi, an international investment banker, who is also Chairman and Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) expressed his determination towards addressing the continent’s infrastructure deficit and shaping the pan-African infrastructure investment agenda.

According to a statement by the AFC, signed by Dr. Adesegun Akin_Olugbade noted that Ogunlesi’s experiences in infrastructure financing, investment banking and law will help provide the much needed force to drive the AFC towards achieving its goals and objectives.

He said, “Ogunlesi, an international investment banker has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) — the African_led financial institution, whose mission is to help drive faster economic growth on the continent by proactively assisting in the development and financing of critical infrastructures, industrial and other assets.

“He is Chairman and Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) a US$5.64 billion private equity fund that invests in infrastructure assets worldwide. GIP’s founding investors include Credit Suisse and General Electric, and it recently agreed the £1.455 billion acquisition of London’s Gatwick Airport.

“ Ogunlesi brings a wealth of international investment banking, infrastructure and corporate governance expertise to the AFC.

“Prior to founding GIP, Mr. Ogunlesi was Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of Credit Suisse’s Investment Banking Division with senior responsibility for Credit Suisse’s corporate and sovereign investment banking clients.

“He also served as Global Head of Credit Suisse’s Investment Banking Department which included its worldwide capital markets _ debt and equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and advisory, industry, country and regional banking businesses.

“Prior to becoming an investment banker, he was an attorney with the New York law firm of Cravath, Swains & Moore. From 1980 to 1981, he served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Thurmond Marshall, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.”

Akin-Olugbade quoted Ogunlesi as saying, “My role as Chairman of AFC will provide a unique opportunity for me to contribute to the development of Africa by helping to build what I am sure will become a leading force in the financing of infrastructure assets on the continent.”

He also quoted Mr. Andrew Alli, Chief Executive Officer of AFC as saying that Ogunlesi’s experience in infrastructure investing and banking brings a wealth and depth of knowledge and expertise that will propel the AFC into the premier league of institutions addressing the development requirements of Africa.