Donald Kaberuka

Dr. Donald Kaberuka – Chairman, SouthBridge Group | Former President, African Development Bank

Dr. Donald Kaberuka is a Rwandan economist, statesman, and global development leader with a distinguished career spanning finance, infrastructure, and institutional reform. He currently serves as Chairman and Managing Partner of SouthBridge Group, and is widely recognized for his transformative leadership at the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he served as President from 2005 to 2015.

Career Highlights

• African Development Bank (2005–2015)

  • Tripled the Bank’s capital base from USD 30 billion to USD 100 billion.

  • Doubled annual portfolio commitments to USD 12 billion per annum.

  • Championed a “big push” on infrastructure, directing over USD 25 billion into transport, energy, water, urban development, and IT.

  • Expanded private sector support from USD 500 million to USD 2.8 billion annually.

  • Established innovative facilities including the Africa Natural Resource Center and the African Legal Support Facility.

  • Positioned AfDB as Africa’s largest lender during the global financial crisis, providing USD 12 billion in countercyclical support.

  • Promoted inclusive growth by linking security, development, and environment, and creating ring-fenced facilities for conflict-affected countries.

• Government of Rwanda (1997–2005)

  • Served as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, leading Rwanda’s economic team.

  • Acted as Governor for Rwanda at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

• Global Engagements & Advisory Roles

  • African Union (2016–Present): High Representative for Financing of the Union and the Peace Fund.

  • Co-Chair, LSE-Oxford Commission on State Fragility, Growth and Development (with David Cameron).

  • Chairs the High-Level Panel for the External Evaluation of the IMF’s Independent Evaluation Office.

  • Member, Global Leadership Foundation.

  • Serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, and the Centre for Global Development.

  • Senior Adviser, TPG-Satya, promoting investment across Africa.

  • Former Hauser Leader in Residence at Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership (2015–2017).

Education

• Ph.D. in Economics – University of Glasgow

Recognition & Leadership Style

Dr. Kaberuka is celebrated for his visionary leadership in African finance and infrastructure development, his ability to mobilize capital at scale, and his commitment to inclusive growth. His career reflects a rare blend of policy expertise, institutional reform, and global influence, positioning him as one of Africa’s most respected economic leaders.

Key Legacy