Tony Okpanachi, the Managing Director/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), is a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience. Appointed in January 2017 as the pioneer MD/CEO, Okpanachi has been instrumental in shaping DBN’s strategic focus on driving financial inclusion and supporting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
A Career Spanning Decades
Before joining DBN, Okpanachi held several key leadership positions at Ecobank Nigeria, including Deputy Managing Director. His extensive experience also includes serving as Managing Director of Ecobank Kenya and Cluster Managing Director for East Africa, overseeing operations in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Earlier in his career, he managed various portfolios, including treasury management, retail business development, and corporate finance.
Championing MSME Growth
Okpanachi’s mission at DBN is to alleviate the financing constraints faced by MSMEs and small corporates in Nigeria. He emphasizes that DBN’s role is to provide financing, partial credit guarantees, and technical assistance to eligible financial intermediaries. Under his leadership, DBN has focused on addressing the main handicap of MSMEs—limited access to finance—enabling them to contribute to poverty reduction, employment generation, and wealth creation.
Recognition and Impact
Okpanachi’s contributions to the banking industry and the Nigerian economy have earned him several accolades. In 2019, he was honored as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). The Top 10 Magazine recognized him as one of the top 10 CEOs of the year for his transformation of MSME funding through innovative lending and technical support. In December 2024, DBN, under Okpanachi’s leadership, won the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award at the International Financial Inclusion Conference. This award underscores DBN’s commitment to expanding access to financial services for all Nigerians, particularly MSMEs.
Education and Expertise
Okpanachi’s professional approach is built on a strong academic foundation. He holds a Doctorate in Development Economics, an MBA from Manchester Business School, a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Lagos, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has also attended numerous executive management development programs in leadership, corporate governance, credit, and risk management.
Through his vision and leadership, Tony Okpanachi continues to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s financial landscape, championing the cause of MSMEs and fostering economic growth.
