Anne Juuko has taken over as director general of the East African Development Bank (EADB), pledging to expand the lender’s capacity to finance development projects and mobilise new sources of long-term capital across the region.
The Ugandan banker assumed office on Friday after being appointed by the EADB Governing Council, as the regional development finance institution seeks to build on strong recent financial performance and increase its contribution to economic growth and regional integration.
Juuko brings more than two decades of experience in banking, financial markets and senior management across East and Southern Africa. Before joining EADB, she worked at Standard Bank Group, where she was responsible for international financial markets operations in East Africa.
She previously served as managing director and chief executive officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda and headed corporate and investment banking at Standard Bank Namibia. Earlier in her career, she held senior positions at Citibank in Kenya and Uganda.
Juuko said her immediate priorities would include strengthening EADB’s ability to finance development, identifying new long-term funding sources and building partnerships that can help the bank expand its operations.
“I am excited to work with stakeholders across the region to build on the foundation that has been laid and increase the impact of the bank for future generations,” she said.
Her appointment comes as EADB reports significant growth in its financial performance. The bank’s profit before tax increased by 51% in 2025, while its lending portfolio grew by 140%, according to the institution’s governing council.
The bank also holds credit ratings of A from S&P Global and Baa3 from Moody’s, with both ratings carrying stable outlooks, reflecting continued confidence in the institution’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
Rwanda’s Finance and Economic Planning Minister Yusuf Murangwa, who chairs the EADB Governing Council, said Juuko’s experience in financial markets, investment and development finance would be valuable as the bank seeks to broaden its regional role.
The council has also approved measures aimed at strengthening EADB’s governance and improving its performance, although details of the reforms have not been disclosed.
Murangwa said stronger governance would provide a foundation for the bank to expand its support to member states and play a greater role in regional economic development and integration.
Juuko succeeds Benard Mono, who had served as acting director general while continuing in his position as the bank’s senior director for finance and treasury. The governing council thanked Mono for maintaining continuity during the leadership transition.
Established in 1967 and re-established under a new treaty and charter in 1980, EADB provides development finance to support economic and social development and regional integration in East Africa. Its shareholders include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, alongside other financial institutions and banks.
