Jumia Technologies, the NYSE-listed African e-commerce company, has announced the appointment of Dr.Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), into its supervisory board.

The appointment was confirmed following the company’s Annual General Meeting held on May 15, as part of wider efforts to improve governance structure and support its long-term goal of achieving sustainable profitability after years of financial losses.

Alongside Adesina, shareholders also elected Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO of Axian Group, and Benjamin Faw, a US-based investor and business adviser, into the board.

The reconstitution of the board also saw the re-election of current Chairman Jonathan Klein, co-founder and former CEO of Getty Images, and Deputy Chair Anne Ooga Eriksson.

The company explained that the new board composition brings together strong experience in African markets, development finance, capital markets, and high-growth business strategy.

This blend of expertise is expected to guide Jumia through its next phase of growth as it works to stabilise operations and move closer to profitability.

Adesina, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, led the AfDB between 2015 and 2025, during which the bank’s capital base reportedly grew significantly.He is also widely recognised for introducing Nigeria’s electronic fertiliser voucher system, which supported millions of smallholder farmers.

Other new board members also bring strong credentials, with Hiridjee leading a diversified conglomerate operating across multiple African countries, while Faw contributes experience in institutional investment and scaling growth-stage companies.

The leadership expressed confidence that the strengthened board will help Jumia navigate market challenges and improve financial discipline while expanding its footprint in Africa’s digital economy.