TradeMark Africa (TMA) has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors, adding private-sector, agricultural transformation, and continental economic governance experience as the organisation expands its work across Africa.
The appointees are Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa from Rwanda, a former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Ms Safia Boly from Mali, Senior Vice President for Africa at Heifer International; and Mr Jaswinder Bedi from Kenya, Managing Director of Bedi Investments Limited and Executive Director of Fine Spinners Uganda Limited.
The appointments come as TMA advances the next phase of its 2023-2030 strategy, which aims to support inclusive, greener, and digitally enabled trade across Africa. Under the strategy, TMA targets to raise and invest approximately $700 million, support a 33% increase in Africa’s exports to the rest of the world, contribute to a $70 billion increase in the value of intra-African trade, and directly contribute to the creation and enhancement of 400,000 jobs by 2030.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa is the immediate former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (2021–2025). She is a member of Africa’s G20 Africa expert panel and has previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning.
Ms Boly leads Heifer International’s programmes across twelve African countries, reaching nearly 860,000 farming households. She is a former minister in the Government of Mali and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Futures Council.
Mr Bedi has over four decades of experience in manufacturing, export development, and private-sector advocacy. He chairs the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, and serves as Vice-Chair of the East African Business Council.
TMA Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, said the appointments would strengthen the Board’s oversight and strategic depth.
“The incoming directors each bring a perspective that matters to TMA’s work, including enterprise, agriculture, finance and continental policy,” said the former Ethiopian Prime Minister. “As TMA grows its work across Africa, that range of experience will help keep the Board close to both the politics of trade and the realities faced by African firms.”
TMA Chief Executive Officer David Beer said the appointees bring strategic insights and policy experience that will support the organisation’s work with governments, businesses, and international partners.
“Our work is about helping African businesses reach markets with greater confidence,” Beer said.
The new directors succeed Dr Patricia Ojangole, CEO of Uganda Development Bank, and Mr Gabriel Negatu, who retired as non-executive directors on 6th June 2026 after completing their tenure. The new appointees join an expanded Board reflecting TMA’s growing footprint across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.
