Mimi Alemayehou, born in 1969, is a distinguished development finance executive who has held key positions in organizations such as the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). During her tenure at OPIC from March 2010 to April 2014, she oversaw a portfolio of approximately $16 billion invested in over 100 countries.
Alemayehou played a pivotal role in partnering with President Obama’s Power Africa Initiative, aimed at improving access to electricity in underdeveloped regions of Africa. Prior to her role at OPIC, Alemayehou served as the United States Executive Director at the African Development Bank, executing board decisions on behalf of the U.S. government. She received a Distinguished Honor Award for her service in this capacity from then-U.S. Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson. Before her tenure at AfDB, Alemayehou was the founder and Managing Partner of Trade Links, LLC, a development consulting firm specializing in emerging markets issues and promoting African exports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Earlier in her career, Alemayehou held positions at organizations such as the International Executive Service Corps, managing multi-country trade projects in Africa, and WorldSpace Corporation, where she served as Director of International Regulatory Affairs. In recognition of her accomplishments, Forbes Magazine featured Alemayehou on its list of “The 20 Young Power Women in Africa 2013.”
Outside of her professional endeavours, Mimi Alemayehou is a devoted mother of two children.
Job: Senior Vice President for Public-Private Partnerships at Mastercard
Location: Ethiopia
Umi100 Honouree 2024