Juuko took up the position on October 2, following a decision by the EADB Governing Council, which also approved reforms aimed at improving the bank’s performance and governance.

She joins EADB with more than 20 years of experience in banking, financial markets and executive leadership across East and Southern Africa.

Juuko was previously Regional Head of Global Markets for Eastern Africa at Standard Bank Group. She also served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Namibia, and held senior positions at Citibank Kenya and Citibank Uganda.

The appointment comes after a strong performance by EADB in 2025. The bank’s profit before tax increased by 51%, while loan disbursements rose by 140%, according to the Governing Council.

EADB also maintained investment-grade credit ratings of A from S&P Global and Baa3 from Moody’s, both with stable outlooks.

Yusuf Murangwa, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and chairperson of the EADB Governing Council, said Juuko’s experience in regional economies, capital markets and development finance would be important as the bank enters its next phase.

“Anne Juuko is a distinguished financial sector leader with a strong record of delivering growth across multiple African markets,” Murangwa said.

He said the reforms adopted by the Governing Council would build on the bank’s existing foundation and improve the results it delivers to member states and the wider region.

“Strong governance is the foundation of a credible development bank,” Murangwa said.

Juuko said her priorities would include strengthening EADB’s development finance role, accessing new sources of long-term capital and building strategic partnerships to expand the bank’s reach.

“It is a privilege to join an institution that has been in existence for almost sixty years,” she said, adding that she would work with stakeholders across the region to build on the bank’s achievements and increase its socio-economic impact.

EADB is owned by Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, alongside other development and commercial financial institutions.

Established in 1967, the bank provides development finance and other financial services across its member states, with a mandate focused on socio-economic development and regional integration.

The latest leadership changes come as EADB seeks to deepen its role in financing economic activity and supporting long-term development across East Africa.