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Regional MD CFG-Securities for Central & West Africa

Transforming Capital Markets Across Central & West Africa

The Regional Managing Director for CFG-Securities in Central & West Africa leads the charge in driving innovation, building partnerships, and creating opportunities in the region's capital markets.

Regional MD CFG-Securities for Central & West Africa

Leonelle NOMECHI

Leonelle NOMECHI is a Cameroonian citizen, a senior banking executive with over 14 years, with a strong track record in trade finance, structuring complex transactions, and leading trade-related initiatives across various financial institutions.

Role at CFG-Holdings

1. Enhancing Capital Market Access
The MD leads initiatives to make capital markets more accessible, providing businesses and governments with innovative securities solutions.

2. Building Investor Confidence
By fostering transparency and promoting sound governance, the MD ensures investors trust CFG-Securities for their investment needs.

3. Expanding Market Reach
The MD drives CFG-Securities’ presence across Central & West Africa, targeting new markets and strengthening existing ones.

4. Developing Tailored Financial Products
The MD introduces innovative products and services designed to meet the unique requirements of businesses, governments, and investors in the region.

5. Promoting Financial Inclusion
By addressing the needs of underserved sectors, the MD ensures that CFG-Securities contributes to economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

6. Aligning with ESG Goals
The MD integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into securities operations, supporting sustainable development across the region.

Previous Work Experience

Nomechi Leonelle has extensive experience in trade finance, corporate banking, and structured commodity finance, with a track record of successfully managing financial solutions across diverse African markets. Key highlights include:

  • Afreximbank (2024–Present)

    • Structured & Commodities Trade Finance Manager for Central Africa
      • Originates and completes trade finance transactions across various sectors in Africa, focusing on innovative solutions like Letters of Credit, guarantees, and receivables-backed financing.
      • Develops relationships with major commodity traders like Olam, Glencore, and Louis Dreyfus.
  • Citibank Cameroon

    • West & Central Africa Product and Development Manager (2022–2024)
      • Designed trade finance products and digitized processes, achieving 85% digitalization for trade operations.
      • Collaborated with regulators to create a healthy business environment and onboarded 35 out of 40 oil and gas companies to Citibank Cameroon, generating $2.5M in incremental revenue in the first year.
    • Trade Sales Head – Corporate Clients (2015–2022)
      • Built trade strategies to diversify portfolios, focusing on non-traditional sectors like manufacturing and energy.
      • Closed high-value deals, including $22.5M for ENEO, $16M for Nestle, and $20M for Solevo.
      • Key team member in syndicating $160M CAPEX financing for ENEO and MTN Cameroon.
  • Citibank Morocco (2012–2015)

    • Trade Product Head – FIs and Corporates
      • Grew assets utilization from $100M to $600M per month, positioning Morocco as the second-largest contributor in MENA.
      • Closed structured trade loans backed by guarantees from agencies like OPIC and US Eximbank.
  • Citi Johannesburg (2010–2012)

    • Management Associate Program
      • Rotated across departments, gaining expertise in risk, trade finance, and deal structuring.
      • Closed deals like a $110M financing for Ghana’s Ministry of Finance backed by ECIC and a $20M SME financing for FCMB Nigeria supported by OPIC guarantees.

Key Achievements

  • Leadership in Trade Finance:

    • Pioneered innovative trade products across African markets, including Supplier Chain Finance programs and digital trade finance solutions, achieving recognition like the 2018 Adam Smith Treasury Award for Best Working Capital Finance in Africa.
    • Onboarded major oil and gas clients and diversified Citibank’s trade portfolio, contributing to significant revenue growth.
  • High-Impact Deals:

    • Played a pivotal role in securing and executing high-value structured finance transactions, such as:
      • $160M syndicated CAPEX financing for ENEO and MTN Cameroon.
      • $40M trade loan for Attijariwafa Bank in Morocco backed by OPIC guarantees.
      • $20M trade financing for Coca Cola Nigeria (Chi Limited).
  • Market Expansion and Strategy:

    • Increased trade asset utilization by 500% in Morocco and expanded market reach in Central Africa, working closely with regulators to shape favorable business environments.
    • Developed new trade products and solutions that became market standards, especially in areas like Letters of Credit issuance and Supplier Chain Finance.
  • Collaboration and Digital Innovation:

    • Secured $3M in funding for digital innovation projects, achieving 85% digitization of trade processes in West and Central Africa.
    • Established partnerships with third-party companies to enhance execution processes and value-added services.

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