Acha Leke, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, stands as a pivotal force driving Africa’s economic growth and development strategies. With over two decades of leadership experience, Leke has been instrumental in shaping McKinsey’s presence across Africa, serving as the Chairman of McKinsey’s Africa region and a member of its Shareholders Council, the global governance board.
Leke’s career with McKinsey began as a summer associate in Johannesburg in 1998. After completing his PhD in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, he rejoined the firm in 1999 in Atlanta and eventually returned to Johannesburg in 2002 to expand the firm’s reach across Sub-Saharan Africa. His work reached a new milestone in 2010 when he opened McKinsey’s Lagos office, further cementing his role as a transformative leader across the continent. Leke’s commitment to Africa’s development led him to work in over 20 countries, advising governments, multinationals, and private institutions on growth strategies, tax administration, economic development, and holistic transformations.
Leke’s expertise is not limited to corporate consulting. He co-founded the African Leadership Academy (ALA), a prestigious institution nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders, and the African Leadership Network, an organization of young African professionals dedicated to fostering prosperity across the continent. His efforts in leadership and economic development earned him numerous recognitions, including Africa’s Young Investment Professional of the Year (2008) and a spot on Forbes’ Top 10 Youngest Power Men in Africa (2011).
Leke’s intellectual contributions include co-authoring McKinsey’s acclaimed reports Lions on the Move and the book Africa’s Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World’s Next Big Growth Market. His insights have been featured in leading global media outlets like CNN, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal.
Leke’s journey is not only a testament to his commitment to Africa’s economic and social transformation but also an inspiring example of leadership in action. Whether through his advisory roles, such as serving on President Kagame’s African Union (AU) Reform Steering Committee, or his involvement with the Lagos Business School advisory board, Leke continues to influence the next chapter of Africa’s growth story.
