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British International Investment Appoints Nigeria’s Chris Chijiutomi As MD, Head of Africa

The UK’s development finance institution (DFI) and impact investor, British International Investment (BII), has announced the appointment of Chris Chijiutomi as MD, Head of Africa. Chijiutomi will now lead the DFI’s operations in Africa and work to strengthen its longstanding presence across the continent, following his previous role as MD and Head of Infrastructure Equity at BII.

Chris Chijiutomi joined BII in 2017 as an Investment Director in the Infrastructure Equity team before taking over as CEO and MD in 2022.

He oversaw BII’s joint venture with DP World, which supported the expansion and modernization of ports and inland logistics in Africa, accelerating the continent’s potential to become a global trading powerhouse.

He also serves on the boards of key BII investments such as Globeleq, which is a key player in unlocking Africa’s renewable potential, and Gridworks, a pioneering development company he helped establish that invests in Africa’s electricity transmission and distribution networks.

Prior to joining BII, Chijiutomi was a founding partner of a West African-focused Infra Fund based in Nigeria, where he oversaw investments in energy, water, wastewater, and transportation projects. He has over 20 years of experience in Europe and Africa and is well-positioned in his new role at BII to expand the DFI’s strong footprint in Africa while also strengthening relationships with its investees, investors, governments, and other stakeholders.

Chris Chijiutomi’s appointment comes as the BII implements its five-year strategy, which commits the organization to channeling 30% of its total new commitments to climate finance and 25% to gender finance.

Chijiutomi’s new role will include facilitating investments to support African countries on the path to net zero, as well as leading the DFI’s efforts to drive inclusive growth, form partnerships with locally-owned businesses, and increase investment in early-stage ventures.

Commenting on his new role, Chris Chijiutomi said: I am delighted to take on this new opportunity as BII’s MD, Head of Africa, during this critical time as the continent is facing serious economic challenges exacerbated by global economic shocks, climate change, and rising inflation. I am keen to collaborate and work closely with our private sector partners and financial institutions to navigate the current challenges and increase investment to back the growth of African economies and industries.”

Chijiutomi will report directly to BII’s CEO Nick O’Donohoe, who said: I am pleased to appoint Chris Chijiutomi as our new MD, Head of Africa. Chris’ appointment will allow us to continue to deepen our footprint across the continent, and leverage BII’s 75-year legacy in Africa to execute our strategic objectives of investing for productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth. I am confident that Chris’ extensive investment and leadership experience will be a key asset in maintaining BII’s reputation as one of the leading impact and private sector investors in Africa.  

Chris Chijiutomi is a British-Nigerian national, a Chartered Engineer and holds an MEng in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Surrey.

 

 

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