LEAP Africa Boosts Board with Six New Leaders

By Chibuzor Alli

LEAP Africa has expanded its Board of Directors with six accomplished professionals, bringing fresh expertise in technology, investment, corporate governance and international development to the organisation’s leadership.

The appointments come as the youth-focused leadership development organisation seeks to deepen its impact, strengthen strategic oversight and expand opportunities for young Africans.

The new directors are Toyin Akinniyi, Regional Portfolio Director at Luminate; Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom; Ifeoma Finnih, Director of Infrastructure and Climate at Chapel Hill Denham; Remilekun Soyannwo, Chief Executive Officer of Shell Pension Fund; Sobel Ngom, Chief Executive Officer of Tostan International; and Victor Onyenkpa, former Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Africa.

LEAP Africa said the appointments would bring valuable perspectives from the private and development sectors to its mission of inspiring and empowering young Africans for transformative leadership in their personal lives, organisations and communities.

Board Chair Clare Omatseye said strong governance would remain essential as the organisation evolves and pursues lasting impact.

“As LEAP Africa continues to evolve, the strength of our governance remains central to our ability to deliver lasting impact. We are pleased to welcome six individuals whose professional accomplishments, leadership experience and commitment to Africa’s development will enrich our Board’s deliberations and deepen our strategic oversight.”

Omatseye added that the appointments reflected the organisation’s determination to build a resilient, future-ready institution capable of responding to the challenges and opportunities facing young Africans.

Executive Director Kehinde Ayeni said the new directors were joining at a pivotal stage in LEAP Africa’s development.

“As we expand our reach and deepen the quality of our programmes, their experience, networks and strategic insights will be invaluable in opening new opportunities for collaboration and innovation,” she said.

Diverse expertise to strengthen youth leadership

The new board members bring decades of experience across sectors critical to Africa’s development.

Disu has more than 20 years of experience in telecommunications, corporate governance, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. At Globacom, she has contributed to digital transformation and business growth across West Africa.

Soyannwo brings over 30 years of expertise in financial management, corporate finance and investment governance. She previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company and is an Independent Non-Executive Director at Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited and Pan Ocean Oil & Gas Group Limited.

Finnih has more than 17 years of experience in banking, infrastructure finance and investment management. At Chapel Hill Denham, she oversees portfolios supporting infrastructure development, energy access and climate resilience.

Onyenkpa brings over three decades of experience in governance, finance and risk management across Africa.

Akinniyi has more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy and international development, spanning strategy, impact investing, technology governance and grantmaking. At Luminate, she leads initiatives across Africa focused on technology and socioeconomic justice.

Ngom, who heads Tostan International, brings expertise in organisational strategy, programme leadership and impact measurement, alongside a Francophone West African perspective. Tostan advances community-led development and social transformation.

The appointments position LEAP Africa to draw on a broader range of expertise as it strengthens its programmes and partnerships supporting young people across the continent.