Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi: Leading ACET into a New Era
In 2024, the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) underwent a significant leadership transition with the retirement of its founder, Dr. K.Y. Amoako. To ensure strong leadership succession, ACET partnered with Oxford HR to identify a visionary leader to guide the organisation into its next phase.
Oxford HR successfully placed Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi as the new President and CEO of ACET. A distinguished economic development and policy expert, Mavis brings decades of experience driving economic transformation and inclusive growth across Africa. Her appointment marks a pivotal Founder-CEO transition, ensuring continuity while introducing fresh perspectives to ACET’s mission of advancing sustainable economic growth, trade, and industrialisation across the continent.
Mavis’s leadership deepens ACET’s impact by fostering strategic partnerships and policy innovation that drive Africa’s long-term development agenda. Her role underscores the importance of strong leadership placements in economic policy institutions and highlights Oxford HR’s expertise in identifying transformative leaders.
Our Communications and Marketing Lead, Alisha Muchemi posed the following question to Mavis: As a senior woman in your organisation, what excites you most about the future of your organisation and the impact it can have in the years ahead?
”For a long time, the heads of economic policy institutes around the world have been men and economic policy has been gender-neutral at best. Over the last few years, we are seeing more female heads of these institutions alongside a stronger push for gender inclusive and gender transformative economic policies. In ACET we launched our year of gender equity in economic transformation this month, and our research is driving the concept of shared power and the positive impact it has on improved lives of all Africans – men, women, boys, and girls. At ACET, I am excited to see how we are practicing what we preach by ensuring: just over 50% of our senior leadership team are female; we build and retain a pipeline of young female economists by providing support for child care where needed and offering flexible work arrangements to all staff and; that female leaders in ACET are working with their peers across the continent to ensure all young Africans can see that women and men can thrive equally in our sector.
Mavis Owusu-GyamfiCEO and President - ACET
Anna Wanjiru: Elevating Communications for Impact
Oxford HR successfully placed Anna Wanjiru as Director of Communications at Inkomoko in 2024, for purpose organisation working with micro and small entrepreneurs including refuges to create jobs, improve livelihoods and develop thriving communities across Africa.
In her role, Anna has leveraged her expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement to enhance Inkomoko’s brand visibility and amplify the impact of its programs.
Her appointment marked a significant step in strengthening Inkomoko’s communications strategy and stakeholder engagement. Her leadership has played a key role in enhancing the organisation’s engagement with entrepreneurs, partners, and policymakers, ensuring Inkomoko’s mission and impact reach a wider audience.
Anna’s placement highlights Oxford HR’s commitment to identifying and positioning exceptional talent in mission-driven organisations.
Our Communications and Marketing Lead, Alisha Muchemi asked Anna the following question: What are the key priorities or goals that you are focused on in your current role, and how do you see your work driving positive change within the organization and the communities you serve?
”I thrive in transforming communications into a strategic force for impact. Throughout my career, I’ve led turnarounds—revamping narratives, strengthening teams, and positioning organizations for global influence. At Inkomoko, I’ve sharpened our voice, expanded our reach, and ensured that the entrepreneurs we serve are heard on the world stage. My approach is always the same: clarify the story, empower the team, and leverage the right platforms to drive change. Whether through high-profile moments like TED or the foundational work of building strong internal systems, I make communications a catalyst for growth and influence.
Anna WanjiruDirector of Communications - Inkomoko
