At its General Assembly held on June 10, 2025, at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, BUSINESSAfrica—Africa’s foremost voice for employers and private sector organizations—elected Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), to its Executive Council. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, BUSINESSAfrica plays a key role in advancing private sector growth and regional economic integration, and represents African business interests at continental and global platforms, including the African Union and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The election underscores Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde’s dedication and commitment to the advancement and fostering of Africa’s economic growth and regional integration across the continent. He joins a distinguished group of business leaders from across the continent, that are providing strategic oversight to BUSINESSAfrica’s efforts in promoting sustainable enterprise development, decent work, job creation, competitive business landscape and economic integration and renaissance across Africa.
Speaking after the election, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde stated that “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be elected to the Executive Council of BUSINESSAfrica. This is a critical time for Africa’s economic trajectory, and I am eager to contribute to an organization that is so dedicated to empowering our continent’s businesses and unlocking its immense potential. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Council members to advance policies that foster innovation, attract investment, and create widespread and inclusive prosperity.”
Mr. Adewale-Smatt brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in private sector advocacy, business linkages, sustainable development, digital transformation, regional economic cooperation, investment/trade promotions and leading initiatives focused on empowering SMEs across the continent.
About Business Africa: Business Africa is the umbrella organization representing the interests of the private sector in Africa. It serves as a key platform for dialogue between African businesses, governments, and international partners, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development. Business Africa is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of African enterprises and fostering an environment conducive to investment and job creation.
