Standard Chartered Plc has appointed Dalu Ajene as the chief executive officer for Africa. This move expands his current responsibilities to include the role of head of coverage for the region. The decision aligns with the strategic objective of the lender to intensify its focus on high growth emerging markets throughout the continent.
Ajene previously served as the chief executive officer for Standard Chartered Nigeria starting in April 2024. In his new capacity he will oversee the African operations of the bank which encompass corporate banking investment banking wealth management and retail services. This leadership transition occurs at a time when international financial institutions are repositioning themselves to better capture trade flows infrastructure financing and capital market opportunities across Africa.
During his leadership in Nigeria Ajene guided the unit toward robust annual financial performance. He also managed the successful compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria recapitalisation requirement of 200 billion Naira for national commercial banks well in advance of the March 2026 deadline. His professional history includes a tenure as the chief executive officer of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria before he joined Standard Chartered.
In a formal statement Ajene noted that Standard Chartered remains a vital partner in trade finance structured solutions and development finance across the region. He emphasized that the bank intends to continue utilizing technology and mobilizing capital to foster client growth and sustainable development throughout the African continent.
Ajene brings over 25 years of experience in the global financial services sector to this position. His academic background includes a bachelor degree in economics from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
He takes over the role from Kariuki Ngari and assumes the coverage responsibilities previously managed within the portfolio of Sarmad Lone.
