On August 28, 2020, Serge Ekué assumed office as the President of the Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD), marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Ekué, a distinguished expert in financial markets and capital markets, brings over two decades of global experience in international finance, structured finance, and market operations. His leadership is poised to drive the BOAD towards unprecedented growth and development, benefiting the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) member countries.
Before joining BOAD, Serge Ekué had an impressive tenure at Natixis, where he led the Capital Markets activities for the Asia-Pacific region between 2010 and 2016. His strategic acumen and leadership skills earned him the role of Chief Executive Officer at Natixis’ Hong Kong branch. Ekué’s vast experience also includes his role as Natixis’ Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Country Manager for the UK in London, Head of Global Markets for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and Head of Natixis’ Africa and Russia Departments.
Ekué’s academic credentials are indeed impressive and speak volumes about his dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Not only does he hold an Executive MBA from HEC Paris, a renowned institution known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty, but he also obtained a postgraduate degree in Banking and Finance from Paris V University. This specialized degree equipped him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial systems, risk management, and investment strategies. Furthermore, Ekué’s diploma from the Institut d’Études Politiques in Bordeaux portray his multidisciplinary approach to education. Studying political science in conjunction with his finance and business qualifications has provided him with a unique perspective on how global economic policies intersect with financial markets.
These qualifications have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexity of international finance. Serge Ekué’s vision for BOAD is rooted in his belief in Africa’s multigenerational workforce and dynamism. He aims to transform the bank into a robust Development Financial Institution (DFI) with enhanced lending capacity, financially supported by both the public and private sectors across the eight WAEMU countries. Under his leadership, BOAD is expected to support major investment projects that will significantly impact and improve living conditions within its communities.
As President of BOAD, Ekué’s responsibilities are extensive. He focuses on equipping the bank with the necessary resources to support substantial investment projects within the sub-region. He emphasizes the importance of continued interaction and communication with his team to ensure the effective execution of tasks at all levels. Ekué acknowledges that while success often appears as a long path amid hardship, it is a continuous and long-lasting effort toward recognition, accomplishment, and prosperity. For Ekué, the most significant acknowledgment arises from the positive influence that BOAD exerts on the communities it caters to.
Ekué takes pride in the continuous favorable responses and effects that BOAD generates. Ekué’s leadership transcends the present; it is about molding a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent. Serge Ekué is also dedicated to influencing future generations. He advocates for the significance of imparting them with knowledge about the fundamental mission and focus they should embrace, motivating them to persevere diligently and generate groundbreaking innovations for the progression of Africa.
