our leadership
Visionary Leaders, Ethical Banking, African Future.
Dr. Suleiman Ahmed Walhad
Dr. Suleiman Ahmed Walhad is an experienced banking executive and leader with over thirty years in Islamic banking, trade finance, investment banking, and development finance across Africa and the Middle East. He has led important initiatives in several financial institutions, including The Arab Investment Company in Bahrain and Dahabshiil Bank International, now known as East Africa Bank, in Djibouti. There, he drove expansion into new markets and started the International Islamic Banking Summit Africa, which is now a key platform for financial cooperation in the region.
As President of the Global Africa Bank, Dr. Walhad offers immense knowledge in structuring Sharia-compliant financial models that support sectors like fishing, livestock, agriculture, small industries, and mining in Africa. His work focuses on inclusive finance, ethical banking, and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
He also serves as the President of the Horn of Africa States Think Tank and the Global Somali Council, where he encourages regional economic cooperation and reforms in governance. Dr. Walhad has a Ph.D. and an MBA (Honors) in Business Administration from Oaklands University in the UK. He has written influential books such as Putting Africa Back to Work: The Art of Nation Building and Islamic Banking: The Way Forward.
Under his leadership, the Global Africa Bank aims to become a pan-African financial institution based in Djibouti. The bank seeks to mobilize investments from the diaspora, create sustainable credit systems, and promote Africa’s financial independence.
Sheiknor Abucar Qassim
Global Africa Bank
Sheiknor Abucar Qassim is an experienced international business and policy professional. He focuses on connecting governments, investors, and communities. As Vice President for Government and Investor Relations at Global Africa Bank, he engages with public institutions, private investors, and development partners who aim to advance Africa’s financial future sustainably and ethically.
With decades of experience in various countries within both public and private sectors, Mr. Qassim has a deep understanding of global diplomacy, trade, and investment strategy. His leadership is built on trust, transparency, and a shared vision for inclusive growth.
At Global Africa Bank, he plays a key role in matching investor confidence with the bank’s mission of promoting ethical, Shari’ah-compliant development across Africa. He believes that true partnerships, grounded in respect, accountability, and purpose, can change not only markets but also lives.
Shari’ah Supervisory Board (SSB)
Advisory Council
