Oikocredit appoints Caroline Mulwa as new Regional Director for Africa

Amersfoort, the Netherlands – Social impact investor Oikocredit has announced the appointment of Caroline Mulwa as the new Regional Director Africa from 16 August 2022.

The regional director plays a key role in the policy development and support of partners in relation to Oikocredit’s investment activities in Africa. Caroline will be responsible for leading, managing, developing and coordinating teams in Africa, as well as overseeing the loans investments and capacity building initiatives to partners active in financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy. In this role, Caroline will also oversee Oikocredit’s strategic initiatives to improve community resilience in Africa.

She is based in the regional office in Nairobi, Kenya and reports to the Director of Impact Investments.

Caroline brings over 20 years’ experience in banking and development finance to the role. She previously worked in commercial banking at ABSA before joining Oikocredit in 2007 as Project Manager. She was appointed as Country Manager in 2009 where she was responsible for implementing Oikocredit’s strategy in Kenya and developed the credit portfolio in financial inclusion and agriculture sectors. In 2018, Caroline was appointed as Investments Manager East Africa and was responsible for the portfolio in East and Southern Africa and provided leadership for the investment team.

Caroline has an MSc in Business Psychology and holds a number of board positions. A well-known and trusted person in the impact investing community in Africa, Caroline has extensive knowledge of the unique needs of the local communities Oikocredit serves. She is passionate about expanding and improving financial inclusion for women, youth and rural communities.

Mirjam ‘t Lam, Managing Director at Oikocredit, said: “Over the past 15 years, Caroline has shown immense dedication both to living the values and contributing to social purpose of Oikocredit, and supporting the communities and local partners we work with in Africa. With her track record of building strong relationships and her inspiring leadership style, I have no doubt that she’ll continue to successfully build our portfolio in Africa and will support the organisation in its mission to bring social impact and resilience to communities we serve. I wish her all the best as she continues her career as Regional Director Africa.”

Caroline Mulwa, newly appointed Regional Director for Africa, said: "Throughout my career, social impact investing has always been an important element for me. To see the difference that Oikocredit’s community-focused approach can make first-hand to local businesses and people is extremely rewarding. I’m honoured to continue to engage with our partners in Africa and look forward to playing a more significant role in promoting greater opportunities for the communities we work with".

About Oikocredit

Social impact investor and worldwide cooperative Oikocredit has over 45 years of experience funding organisations active in financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy.

Oikocredit's loans, equity investments and capacity building aim to enable people on low incomes in Africa, Asia and Latin America to improve their living standards sustainably.

Oikocredit finances over 500 partners, with total outstanding capital of € 1,014.15 million (at 30 June 2022). For more information: www.oikocredit.coop.

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Note for editors

For more information or to request an interview, please contact: Viviana Cordero, Communications Business Partner, Oikocredit International, telephone: +31 33 422 4040, email: vcordero@oikocredit.org.