Chief Executive Officer - African Quality Assurance Centre Holding Company, Aqac

About AQAC
The African Quality Assurance Centre Holding Company (AQAC HoldCo) manages a network of laboratories and quality assurance facilities across Africa.
Backed by Afreximbank, AQAC is being developed as a trusted provider of testing, inspection and certification services, with a mandate to strengthen Africa's quality infrastructure and support the movement of African products into regional and international markets.
Its ambition is both commercial and developmental: to build a high-performing, standards-led platform that serves governments, exporters, industries and regional value chains, while positioning AQAC as the preferred conformity partner for African exports.
About The Job
Reporting to the Board of AQAC HoldCo, the Chief Executive Officer will set the company's vision, long-term strategy and operating direction across Africa.
The CEO will lead AQAC through its next phase of growth, expanding laboratory operations into new regions and sectors, including healthcare, food, environmental and industrial testing.
This is a platform-building role. The successful candidate will identify and pursue strategic partnerships, acquisitions and joint ventures, represent the company at regional and international forums, and build AQAC's reputation with governments, regulators, multinational corporations, local industries, research institutions and development partners.
The CEO will also be accountable for sustainable financial performance across subsidiaries. This includes driving revenue growth and profitability, overseeing financial planning and capital allocation, strengthening cash flow and ensuring that investment decisions deliver long-term value.
Operationally, the CEO will standardise processes across laboratories, improve efficiency and consistency, and embed strong quality outcomes in all countries of operation. The role will oversee compliance with local statutory requirements, export-market standards, ISO/IEC accreditation requirements and sector-specific schemes, while championing health, safety, environmental and quality standards across AQAC.
The role also requires visible leadership on innovation. The CEO will drive digital transformation through LIMS, automation and data integrity systems, support research and development and new technologies, and encourage sustainability-focused testing solutions.
As CEO, the successful candidate will lead a diverse multi-country workforce, develop succession plans for senior leaders and build a culture defined by safety, integrity, innovation and accountability.
Requirements
About You
You will bring:

• An advanced degree in public health, medicine, biomedical or laboratory sciences, business management, engineering, life sciences or a related field.
• A proven track record as a CEO, COO or senior executive in testing, inspection and certification, healthcare, industrial services or a comparable sector.
• At least 15 years of senior executive leadership experience within TIC, healthcare or industrial services.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-country operations.
• Deep understanding of laboratory operations, compliance and accreditation standards.
• Experience in African markets and global business management.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to represent AQAC and Afreximbank Group entities at senior regional and international forums.
• A strong understanding of Africa's political, economic and trade landscape.
• Commitment to Afreximbank's values, including integrity, professionalism, innovation, teamwork and commitment to Africa.
  

Benefits

• Comprehensive Private Medical Cover: Premium health insurance coverage for the Chief Executive Officer and eligible dependants, in line with the Company's executive benefits framework
• Executive Development: Access to relevant leadership development, executive education, industry forums and professional development opportunities aligned with the strategic requirements of the role
• Performance-Linked Incentive: Eligibility for an annual performance bonus based on the achievement of approved corporate, financial and individual performance objectives, subject to Board approval and applicable Company policy
• Other Benefits: Additional benefits and employment terms will be provided in accordance with the Company's applicable policies and as further outlined in the employment contract

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