Mrs Kanayo Awani, the Managing Director of African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) Intra-African Trade Initiative Division, has been named one of the 100 outstanding women leaders in Nigeria.
This is according to the list published in the 2022 edition of The Nigeria Women Annual: 100 Leading Women.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Communication and External Relations Department, Afreximbank on Friday in Abuja.
The statement said that Awani’s listing acknowledged her distinguished career and contributions to the development of society.
“As managing director, Awani currently leads the Bank’s efforts in implementing its intra-African trade and industrialisation strategies.
“She successfully led Afreximbank’s engagement in support of the establishment and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Awani was also the arrowhead for the introduction and organisation of the biennial Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which has delivered trade and investment deals valued at more than 70 billion dollars.”
It said the managing director previously led Afreximbank’s Trade Finance and Branches Department from 2009 to 2016, growing it into the Bank’s most profitable department which accounted for over 80 per cent of its loan book.
According to the statement, Awani is also the Chairperson of the Africa Chapter of Factors Chain International (FCI), a global factoring association.
“The Nigeria Women Annual: 100 Leading Women is the premier qualitative profiling of phenomenal women who have contributed to the development of Nigeria and the world.
“A gender-specific biographical compendium, it responds to existing gender gaps in Nigeria’s biographical documentation and leadership.
“In 2022, it focused on the most inspirational and influential women whose work contributed to shaping Nigeria’s collective history during the year.”
This year’s list includes technology experts, politicians, teachers, activists, development practitioners, C-Suite corporate leaders, and other notable women.
