Kaberuka appointed to Rockefeller board

Former AfDB president Prof Donald Kaberuka. PHOTO | FILE |  AFP

By MOSES OMUSOLO

In Summary

• Credited with elevating the AfDB’s role in Africa as a leading development institution, Dr Kaberuka also steered the Bank through the tumultuous 2008 financial crisis and increasing infrastructure lending.

The Rockefeller Foundation has appointed former African Development Bank (AfDB) president Dr Donald Kaberuka to its board of trustees.

"Dr Kaberuka is an authority in development issues, deeply knowledgeable on global finance, with experience in government and the private sector, all of which makes him a great addition to our
board. I am excited to welcome him," the Foundation’s chairman David Rockefeller Jr said while making the announcement Monday.

Dr Kaberuka was the seventh president of AfDB, serving the bank for a decade since 2005. Before joining the institution, he had a distinguished career in banking and international trade, having served as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in Rwanda between 1997 and 2005.

Credited with elevating the AfDB’s role in Africa as a leading development institution, Dr Kaberuka also steered the Bank through the tumultuous 2008 financial crisis and increasing infrastructure lending.

"Dr Kaberuka is a compelling voice on key development issues, and we are confident he will contribute immensely to our work as we promote more inclusive economies and build greater resilience against shocks and stresses in today’s world," said Dr Judith Rodin, President of The Rockefeller Foundation.

The Rwandan national a was educated at universities in Tanzania and Scotland. He holds a PhD in Economics from Glasgow University.

Currently a Hauser Leader-in-Residence at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, he sits on several other boards including the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

"It is a tremendous honour to be invited to join the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Its rich legacy in innovation and multi-sectoral achievements all over the world, have made a remarkable difference in countless lives for the better across the world,” said Dr Kaberuka welcoming the appointment.