Arunma Oteh

Arunma Oteh
Academic Scholar, University of Oxford
Nigeria

Arunma Oteh OON, a distinguished Nigerian economist, has been named in the prestigious 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 by Avance Media. Renowned for her transformative roles in the financial sector and her impactful leadership, Oteh has left an indelible mark on global institutions, including her tenure as the Treasurer and Vice President of the World Bank.

Arunma Oteh, of Nigerian/British nationality and hailing from Abia State, began her academic journey at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, earning a first-class honors degree in Computer Science. She furthered her education at the Harvard Business School, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Oteh’s commitment to the academic and intellectual discourse is reflected in her co-editorship of the book, “African Voices African Visions.”

Oteh’s illustrious career began with roles at various institutions, including the Harvard Institute for International Development and Centre Point Investments Limited of Nigeria, where she engaged in corporate finance, consulting, teaching, and research. In 1992, she joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) and rapidly ascended the ranks.

Her tenure at the AfDB saw her serve in key positions, such as Senior Investment Officer, Division Manager for Investments and Trading Room, and ultimately as the Bank’s Group Treasurer. Notably, she assumed the role of vice-president for Corporate Management at the AfDB in March 2006, overseeing Language Services, General Services and Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Management and Methods.

In July 2009, Oteh was nominated as the Director-General of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) by President Umaru Yar’Adua. As SEC Director General from January 2010 to January 2015, she demonstrated unwavering commitment to market integrity, facing challenges such as market rigging and abuse. Despite facing resistance, Oteh implemented crucial reforms, contributing to the stability and resilience of Nigeria’s capital market.

In July 2015, Oteh’s remarkable journey took her to the World Bank, where she was appointed Vice President and Treasurer by President Jim Yong Kim. In this role, she managed the organization’s US$200 billion debt portfolio and oversaw an asset portfolio of almost US$200 billion for the World Bank Group and 65 external clients, including central banks, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds.

Following her impactful term at the World Bank, Oteh joined St Antony’s College, Oxford University, as an academic scholar and an executive-in-residence at Saïd Business School. In October 2022, she was appointed to the board of directors of FSD Africa, a development agency focused primarily on financial markets in Africa. Additionally, Oteh serves as a Non-Executive Member of the Board of Directors at Ecobank since 2019.

Arunma Oteh’s exemplary career, marked by leadership in financial institutions, dedication to market integrity, and her current contributions to academia and development agencies, has rightfully earned her a place in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 by Avance Media. Her resilience, expertise, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire and pave the way for the empowerment of women in the financial and academic spheres. Oteh’s legacy is not only a testament to her individual achievements but also a beacon for the transformative potential of women leaders in shaping the future of global finance.

Arunma was named among the Inaugural List of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2019 by Avance Media.

Photo Credit: forbesafrica