By Vivian Ihechu
In the world of big business and international trade, success is usually measured in dollars and cents.
In addition, however, Anne Ezeh, the Director of Communications and Events, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has proven that the story a brand tells is just as valuable as its bank balance.
Her recent inclusion in the inaugural African Chief Marketing Officers (ACMO) Top 100 list (Africa CMO 100), a list of the 100 most influential marketing leaders on the continent, marks a major win for women in leadership.
The award, presented by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business Magazine, MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent), and the African Media Agency, celebrates individuals who are changing the world’s perception of Africa.
It recognised the 100 most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders shaping Africa’s story, identity and prosperity.
The 100 leaders were across six African economic regions — including the diaspora — spanning twenty countries and more than 50 distinct role titles.
Brand Africa’s independent research over 15 years has consistently found that while 68 per cent of Africans believed in Africa, only 18 per cent of the brands they most admire were African.
Hence, ACMO100 was to recognise and connect the leaders best placed to change that.
According to the Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa, the CMOs and senior brand leaders are among the most powerful architects of Africa’s future.
“Through strategy, stewardship and influence, they shape narratives, build trust, and guide the preferences of hundreds of millions of people.
“ACMO100 exists to recognise, celebrate and connect these leaders,” Ikalafeng noted.
Commenting on the recognition of one of their own, Afreximbank said the honour underscored the power of strategic communications to shape narratives, influence perceptions, and position African institutions on the global stage.
“It is how we amplify Africa’s trade, investment, and industrialisation ambitions with clarity, purpose, and impact.
“We congratulate Anne on this well-deserved recognition as we continue to set the pace in transforming trade in Africa.
In her response, Ezeh said, “I am honoured to be recognised in the inaugural African Chief Marketing Officers (ACMO) Top 100 list as one of the leading marketing and communications leaders on the continent.
“This is bigger than a title. It reflects the impact, responsibility and influence that marketing and communications leadership carries in shaping how Africa shows up to itself and to the world.
“For a long time, African brands have competed in a space dominated by global players.
“Yet behind every strong African brand is a marketer who understands the nuance, the culture, and the consumer.
“This recognition affirms that the talent exists. The opportunity now is to match that talent with scale, consistency, and bold ambition. I do not take this lightly. Thank you Brand Africa.
“Sincere thanks to the senior management of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for the trust, support and guidance.’’
Ezeh also thanked her incredible team for the discipline, creativity, and commitment they brought daily.
“The results we see are a direct reflection of your excellence. We are not just building brands. We are shaping perception.
“We are influencing narratives. We are positioning Africa for relevance and leadership on a global stage.” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 100 leaders recognised were from across six African economic regions — including the diaspora — spanning twenty countries and more than 50 distinct role titles.
It has a female-majority profession of 62 per cent of honourees being women — a majority across every region.
The finance and telecoms lead, with the financial services — banking, insurance and fintech, topping with 31 honourees.
Also, Southern Africa leads with 39 honourees, with Johannesburg — the marketing capital of the continent topping the chart.
West Africa contributed 20, with 17 from Nigeria reflecting a market of extraordinary commercial depth.
The report noted that “the diaspora cohort is 75 per cent female; East Africa reaches 72 per cent; North Africa, 71 per cent.
“In Africa, women are not emerging talent waiting for their moment: they are running marketing for the continent’s most consequential brands.’’
“Financial services — banking, insurance and fintech — leads with 31 honourees, reflecting the scale of Africa’s financial inclusion wave and the premium brand trust commands in markets where millions are transacting formally for the first time.
“Telecoms and technology account for a further 20. Together, these two sectors represent more than half the list — and the deepest pools of marketing talent on the continent.’’
NAN also reports that Ezeh joined the Afreximbank in 2023 as the Director of Communications and Events having worked with GE Gas Power as Global Internal Communications Director.
She had also worked with Schneider Electric, AFP and Consulate General of France, Lagos.
Since joining the Afreximbank, Ezeh has been expertly managing strategic communications, global events, and brand positioning, fostering partnerships that drive intra-African trade.
Anne has also moved beyond traditional office work to champion projects like CANEX, which helps African artistes, designers, and filmmakers turn their talents into successful businesses.
For professional women everywhere, Anne’s achievement is a powerful example of impact.
It shows that when women take charge of global communications, they don’t just manage a company’s image, they build a bridge between culture and economy.
By this recognition of being on the top 100 list, Ezeh isn’t just representing a bank; she is leading a movement that puts African voices and female excellence at the centre of the global stage.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
