AfDB appoints Mugera as Communication Director

The African Development Bank Group has appointed Mr. Solomon Muger, a former Journalism Head of the British Broadcasting Corporation, as Director, Communication and External Relations, with effect from 1 October 2021.

AfDB announced Mugera’s appointment in a statement yesterday.

Mugera, a Kenyan national, brings extensive experience to this role. He is a seasoned journalist and media manager with over 20 years of expertise working internationally.

As Head of Journalism for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa, Mr. Mugera presided over the largest expansion of the BBC on the African continent since the 1940s, supporting the corporation in reaching a weekly audience of more than 100 million across 12 languages on radio, television, digital and social media.

Mr. Mugera joined the BBC in September 1998 and worked with various departments of the corporation. He was appointed Editor of the BBC Swahili service in 2006.

Five years later, he became the first African to head the African region of the BBC World Service. In September 2015, he was promoted to the position of Senior Leader.

Before joining the BBC, Mr. Mugera worked with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the privately owned Kenya Television Network.

AfDB explained that as Director, Communication and External Relations, Mr. Mugera will manage corporate communications and external relations with key stakeholders, including media, civil society, foundations, the private sector, African countries, and international organizations. Mr. Mugera will also be responsible for internal communication and engagement with Bank Group staff.

The President of the AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina said: “Mr. Mugera will support the Bank Group’s vision and outreach effort to make the priorities, activities, and accomplishments of the Bank known by both internal and external audiences. He is a highly respected and motivated media professional, with a solid track record in journalism and leadership.”