Chief Executive Officer - African Quality Assurance Centre Holding Company, AQAC

AQAC HoldCo manages a network of laboratories and quality assurance facilities across the continent. Backed by Afreximbank, it is being developed as a trusted provider of testing, inspection and certification services, with a mandate to strengthen Africa’s quality infrastructure and support the movement of African products into international markets.

Its ambition is both commercial and developmental: to build a high-performing, standards-led platform that can serve governments, exporters, industries and regional value chains, while positioning AQAC as the default conformity partner for African exports. 

Reporting to the Board of AQAC HoldCo, the Chief Executive Officer will set the company’s vision, long-term strategy and operating direction across Africa. You will lead AQAC through its next phase of growth, expanding laboratory operations into new regions and sectors including healthcare, food, environment and industrial testing.

This is a platform-building role. You will identify and pursue strategic partnerships, acquisitions and joint ventures, represent the company at regional and international forums, and build AQAC’s reputation with governments, regulators, multinational corporations, local industries, research institutions and development partners.

You will also be accountable for sustainable financial performance across subsidiaries. That means driving revenue growth and profitability, overseeing financial planning and capital allocation, strengthening cash flow and ensuring that investment decisions deliver long-term value.

Operationally, you will standardise processes across laboratories, improve efficiency and consistency, and embed strong quality outcomes in all countries of operation. You will oversee compliance with local statutory requirements, export-market standards, ISO/IEC accreditation requirements and sector-specific schemes, while championing health, safety, environmental and quality standards across AQAC.

The role also requires visible leadership on innovation. You will drive digital transformation through LIMS, automation and data integrity systems, support R&D and new technologies, and encourage sustainability-focused testing solutions. As CEO, you will lead a diverse multi-country workforce, develop succession plans for senior leaders and build a culture defined by safety, integrity, innovation and accountability.

·       an advanced degree in public health, medicine, biomedical or laboratory sciences, business management, engineering, life sciences or a related field;

·       a proven track record as a CEO, COO or senior executive in testing, inspection and certification, healthcare, industrial services or a comparable sector;

·       at least 15 years’ senior executive leadership experience within TIC, healthcare or industrial services;

·       strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-country operations;

·       deep understanding of laboratory operations, compliance and accreditation standards;

·       experience in African markets and global business management;

·       excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills;

·       the ability to represent AQAC and Afreximbank Group entities at senior regional and international forums;

·       a strong understanding of Africa’s political, economic and trade landscape;

·       commitment to Afreximbank’s values, including integrity, professionalism, innovation, teamwork and commitment to Africa.

• Private Health Insurance
• Training & Development
• Performance Bonus