ACET Announces Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi as new President and CEO

May 2, 2024 | Accra, Ghana: After an extensive recruitment process, the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) Board of Directors have unanimously approved the selection of Ms. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2024.

Ms. Owusu-Gyamfi’s career spans over twenty-five years in economic and social policy making and development, across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean working with institutions including the UK Department of International Development, Save the Children, and the Power of Nutrition. Over the last three years as Executive Vice President at ACET, she has been instrumental in crafting ACET’s strategy, and driving its effectiveness and partnerships.  She has helped create a stronger ecosystem of policy institutes across the continent, mobilized essential resources for ACET’s long-term sustainability, and recruited top talent to bolster ACET’s research, advisory, advocacy, and thought leadership capabilities.

“We are delighted to have Mavis as President and CEO of ACET to provide the leadership the institution needs as it steps up its research and leads policy debates across Africa and across the world,” said Tito Mboweni, Chair of ACET’s Board of Directors and former Finance Minister for South Africa. “Her experience and strong track record will enable ACET to provide the evidence-based advice that supports Africa’s economic transformation and will deliver real benefit to Africa’s people.”

Ms. Owusu-Gyamfi will take on the role of President and CEO as ACET plans its new strategy for 2025-2030, focusing on impact, timely and policy-relevant research and analysis, partnership, and targeted advocacy.  ACET will play a leading role as part of a broader coalition of African institutions defining a new development path and a new narrative for Africa.

“I am honored to take on the role of President and CEO at ACET, an institution that occupies a unique and essential place in and for Africa,” said Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, incoming President and CEO, ACET. “I look forward to working with our incredible team and growing network of partners to make positive and sustainable change on our beloved continent. ACET will ensure African expertise, solutions, and voices break through the status quo and drive economic transformation on the continent.”

Dr. K.Y. Amoako, ACET’s Founder and President, will be stepping down after fifteen years at ACET and over five decades of strong leadership on Africa’s development issues and challenges. Dr. Amoako’s outstanding contributions at the World Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and ACET and his strong vision for a transformed continent have left a lasting imprint on Africa’s institutions and progress. Dr. Amoako will remain engaged with ACET going forward as Founder and President Emeritus on its Board of Directors.

Media inquiries: Maura K. Leary, Director of Communications, mleary@acetforafrica.org