Who is Arunma Oteh and Why She Matters in African Finance

If you’ve ever wondered who’s been steering major financial reforms across Africa, chances are you’ve heard the name Arunma Oteh. She’s a Nigerian economist who’s spent more than two decades in top‑level roles at the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In plain English, she’s the kind of person who turns complicated money talk into real‑world change.

From Classroom to Boardroom: A Quick Career Snapshot

Arunma grew up in Lagos and earned a first‑class degree in economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She later added a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School. Those credentials opened doors at the World Bank, where she managed the Africa division’s public finance projects. Her work helped several countries clean up debt and attract private investment.

In 2015 she was appointed Chairperson of the AfDB, becoming the first woman to hold that post. During her tenure the bank launched the “Agenda 2063” financing plan, aimed at boosting infrastructure and job creation across the continent. She also pushed for stricter governance standards, which meant better transparency for big projects.

After leaving the AfDB, Arunma returned to Nigeria and took the helm of the SEC. There she cracked down on insider trading, introduced stricter reporting rules for listed companies, and modernized the market’s digital platform. Investors say the market felt “safer” and “more attractive” under her watch.

What Makes Her Leadership Stand Out?

One thing people notice about Arunma is her no‑nonsense communication style. She doesn’t hide behind jargon; instead she explains why a policy matters for a local farmer or a small tech startup. That approach builds trust, especially when dealing with skeptical stakeholders.

She’s also a big fan of data‑driven decisions. At the AfDB she set up a real‑time dashboard that tracked project progress, cost overruns, and social impact. The dashboard let donors and governments see exactly where money was going, cutting down on corruption risks.

Beyond numbers, she mentors young women who want to enter finance. She’s a regular speaker at university career fairs and runs a scholarship fund for women studying economics in West Africa. Her message is simple: “You belong in the boardroom, not just the audience.”

Today, Arunma sits on several corporate boards, including that of a major African telecom and an international renewable‑energy firm. She also advises the United Nations on sustainable finance, helping shape global guidelines for green bonds and climate‑linked loans.

In short, Arunma Oteh is more than a résumé; she’s a catalyst who turns policy into practice. Whether you’re a student curious about finance careers, an investor looking for stable markets, or a policymaker hunting practical solutions, her story offers concrete lessons on leadership, integrity, and impact.

Barend Wilken 29 September 2025 15

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