At the Microfinance Agricultural Learning and Development Centre (MLDC), we believe leadership is key to driving innovation, fostering financial inclusion, and empowering microfinance institutions. It is with great excitement that we announce the appointment of Adetunji A. as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MLDC.
Adetunji has served as MLDC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2021 and takes the helm as CEO after years of exceptional contributions to capacity building, innovation, and strategic leadership in the microfinance sector. He worked under the supervision of Mr. Taiwo Joda, the Deputy Board Chairman representing Accion Microfinance Bank on the MLDC Board, until his appointment as substantive CEO.
Adetunji’s experience, vision, and dedication position him as the ideal leader to guide MLDC into its next phase of growth and impact.
Meet Adetunji Afolabi: A Visionary Leader
Adetunji Afolabi brings to his new role over 17 years of experience spanning banking, consulting, and capacity building for institutions. His extensive expertise in microfinance operations and development has positioned him as a leading voice in the sector.
Educational Background: Adetunji holds a BSc in Business Administration and Management from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and a Master’s in Microfinance Management from Uganda Martyrs University Official. He has also completed executive programs at the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, sharpening his focus on microfinance innovation and strategy.
From Banking to Empowering Institutions
Adetunji began his career at Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank), where he held roles in compliance, treasury operations, and relationship management. His transition to consulting allowed him to design and deliver training programs for high-profile organizations like Nigerian Breweries, Coca-Cola, and 7UP Bottling Company, as well as for public sector entities like the Lagos and Ogun State Governments.
Adetunji joined MLDC in 2018 as Head of Training, a role in which he transformed the organization’s training programs to deliver measurable impact for the microfinance sector. Under his leadership, MLDC has provided over 100 specialized courses to 480 microfinance institutions, impacting more than 6,800 participants nationwide.
On the Global Stage
Adetunji’s professional development and project management extends far beyond Nigeria, with significant contributions to regional and global capacity-building programs. Some of his notable engagements include:
- Attending the SGS Regional Engagements in Cairo and Kenya, where he shared insights on general training and business development strategies.
- A project partner at the ECOWAS Directors Workshop in Lagos, focusing on leadership development for ECOWAS Directors across West Africa.
- Organizing and coordinating exposure trips to Germany and Luxembourg, fostering stakeholder relationships to deepen microfinance impact in Nigeria. These trips were aimed at connecting Nigerian microfinance leaders with global best practices and innovative solutions as well as successfully managing large-scale international projects, including partnerships between MLDC and the AFOS Foundation, which supports sustainable development in the Nigerian microfinance ecosystem.
Adetunji’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability has positioned MLDC as a key player in the microfinance ecosystem.
He has also facilitated executive programs for microfinance leaders, including cross-border working visits to East Africa and Europe, aimed at sharing global best practices. His exceptional contributions to global business discussions were further recognized in 2024 when he was nominated to join the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals who reviews HBS management classic publications.
A Vision for MLDC’s Future
As MLDC’s new CEO, Adetunji is poised to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. His vision focuses on:
- Strengthening Capacity Building: expanding programs that help microfinance institutions remain compliant, competitive, and impactful.
- Driving Financial Inclusion: supporting Nigerian microfinance banks in adopting innovative tools and practices to reach underserved communities.
- Fostering Global Collaboration: establishing stronger ties between Nigerian microfinance institutions and international partners.
Speaking about his new role, Adetunji said, “I am honored to take on this responsibility at such a critical time for the microfinance sector. My goal is to continue MLDC’s legacy of excellence while fostering innovation and empowering institutions to thrive in an ever-changing financial landscape.”
About MLDC
The Microfinance Agricultural Learning and Development Centre (MLDC) is Nigeria’s leading platform for capacity building, training, and development in the microfinance sector. Guided by an experienced board and supported by key bodies such as the Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN-OFISD), the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC-SIID), the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), as well as apex microfinance banks such as LAPO Mfb, Accion Mfb, NPF Mfb, and Lafayette Mfb as members of the illustrious board. MLDC is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions that address the dynamic needs of financial institutions in Nigeria and beyond.
Since its inception, MLDC has partnered with microfinance institutions, regulatory bodies, and international organizations to drive financial inclusion, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote best practices across the sector.
Learn more about our mission, programs, and impact by visiting our website: Mldc.
Join Us in Celebrating a New Era
This leadership transition marks the start of an exciting new chapter for MLDC. We invite our partners, clients, and stakeholders to kindly join us in congratulating Adetunji on this well-deserved promotion. We look forward to achieving even greater milestones under his visionary leadership.
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