Access Bank Mozambique has announced the appointment of Chiwetalu Obikwelu as CEO, a decision that has already been approved by the Bank of Mozambique and comes at a time when the institution is undergoing financial recovery and operational strengthening.
According to an official statement, the appointment formalizes a leadership role that, in practice, had been in place since 2025, the year Obikwelu took over as interim CEO of the bank after joining the institution in 2024 as deputy managing director.
According to Access Bank Mozambique, the interim management period was marked by a significant improvement in the institution’s financial performance, including a return to profitability following previously recorded negative results.
Data released by the bank indicate that deposits grew by 21%, total assets increased by 18%, and revenues expanded by 37%. The institution also highlights improvements in efficiency and risk management indicators: the non-performing loan ratio fell from 22% to 7%, while the cost-to-income ratio dropped from 125% to 86%, reflecting greater operational stability.
In addition to the financial aspect, the bank notes that it has expanded its financial inclusion programs and support for the productive sector. Under Obikwelu’s leadership, more than 1.2 million people have been reached through financial inclusion initiatives, and more than 1,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises have benefited from institutional support.
The bank adds that it has channeled more than $80 million into sustainability-oriented financing, in addition to community programs that are estimated to have benefited more than 100,000 people. “I am grateful for the trust of the Board of Directors and for the approval of the Bank of Mozambique,” said Chiwetalu Obikwelu, as quoted in the statement.
“The progress we have achieved is the result of a collective effort. My focus is on better serving our customers, supporting businesses, strengthening operations, and continuing to earn trust every day,” he added.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Bank Mozambique, Rogério Samo Gudo, noted that the appointment represents strategic continuity and confidence in the work already carried out by the current leadership. “During his interim tenure, Chiwetalu worked closely with the teams to strengthen the business, improve operational discipline, and refocus on customers and people,” he stated.
With over 25 years of experience in the African banking sector, Chiwetalu Obikwelu previously held positions at Access Bank South Africa in the areas of corporate banking, energy finance, digital transformation, and structured finance.
He holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Bangor University in Wales, and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School and the MIT Sloan School of Management. Access Bank Mozambique is part of the Nigerian group Access Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions by number of customers, with a presence in over 20 countries.
