In the complex world of international finance, few leaders have made as profound an impact as Admassu Tadesse, the President Emeritus and Group Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB). Under his visionary leadership, TDB has not only grown in size and scope but has also positioned itself as a critical player in the sustainable development of Africa and beyond.
Admassu Tadesse’s tenure as the CEO of TDB from 2012 to 2022 marked a period of significant growth and expansion for the bank. When he took the reins, TDB was a respected financial institution, but under his guidance, it has become a powerhouse in development finance. The bank’s asset base has grown exponentially, reaching an impressive USD 8 billion in 2023—about eight times its size when Tadesse first joined. This growth is not just a testament to the bank’s financial health but also to its strategic expansion into new and underserved markets, setting up new business units and subsidiaries that broadened its reach and impact.
One of Tadesse’s most significant achievements has been the diversification of TDB’s shareholder base, which more than doubled to 46 shareholders during his leadership. This expanded investor base, coupled with the achievement of investment-grade credit ratings, underscores the confidence that the global financial community has in TDB’s governance and strategic direction. Tadesse’s leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to sustainability and alignment with global development goals. Under his stewardship, TDB has modernized its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In collaboration with TDB’s talented management team and Board, Tadesse played a pivotal role in the creation and launch of several new institutional ventures. These include the Trade and Development Fund (TDF), the Eastern and Southern African Trade Finance Fund (ESATF), TDB Captive Insurance (TCI), and the TDB Academy—each of which reflects the bank’s commitment to innovation and capacity building in the region. Admassu Tadesse’s influence extends beyond the borders of Africa. He serves on the governing bodies of several global and continental industry organizations, including the International Development Finance Club, Finance in Common, and the Africa Investment Forum. His leadership and expertise are also recognized through his roles on the boards of directors for various financial institutions, including ZEP Reinsurance, Gulf Africa Bank, and several TDB subsidiaries.
Before his time at TDB, Tadesse had a distinguished career that included a decade at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), where he was responsible for international finance and investment as well as corporate strategywhile also consulting in New York City during the 1990s at different times. Tadesse’s academic credentials are as impressive as his professional achievements. He holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and an MBA from Wits Business School. Additionally, he is an alumnus of Western University, Harvard Business School, and INSEAD, where he trained in Advanced Banking and Executive Management. His educational background has provided him with a robust foundation to navigate the complexities of global finance and to lead with a balance of technical expertise and visionary strategy.
Throughout his career, Tadesse has been recognized with numerous international awards, including African Banker of the Year and African Business Leader of the Year. As President Emeritus, Admassu Tadesse continues to influence the strategic direction of TDB while serving as Chairman of the TDB Group Executive Management Board. TDB is well-positioned to continue its mission of fostering economic development in Africa and beyond, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of financial stability and growth in the region.
