Africa’s Sovereign Development Trust Finalises Shortlist for President—June 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

London, England — 06 JUNE 2025

6 June 2025 – The Ndege Group has today announced that a shortlist of candidates is under final review for the inaugural role of President of Africa’s Sovereign Development Trust (ASDT). The appointment is a crucial step in the Trust's mission to foster a sovereign, prosperous, and self-determined future for the African continent.

The President will be responsible for leading a diverse and ambitious portfolio, projected to exceed €1 trillion in assets under management within its first decade. Key priorities include expanding a continental Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and a Development Finance Fund. These instruments are designed to power the Trust's operating brands and its public-private partnership (PPP) projects, centred on multisector infrastructure, wildlife conservation, land and resource management, and youth empowerment. The successful candidate will also assume command of the United African Defence Force (UADF) and oversee OmniGaza, the Trust’s proprietary blockchain-based platform for transparent governance, investment syndication and resource mobilisation.

Reflecting the global significance and considerable demands of the position—which includes direct oversight of multiple subsidiary boards, international projects, and commercial brands—the successful candidate will be offered a unique remuneration structure. This framework is designed to align the President’s long-term interests directly with the growth and success of the Trust’s portfolio, fostering a partnership model of leadership.

The shortlist reflects the Trust’s commitment to combining global expertise with deep African insight. The candidates under consideration include internationally recognised figures such as Mr Igor Shuvalov (Russia), Ms Sarah Paine (USA), and Mr Xanana Gusmão (Timor-Leste). They are joined by prominent African leaders, including Captain Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso), Senator Gideon Moi (Kenya), Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao (Zimbabwe), and former Governor Lamido Sanusi (Nigeria). All serving African heads of state are also under consideration, underscoring the Trust's focus on collaborative, pan-African leadership.

David Okiki Amayo Jr., Founder of The Ndege Group, stated, “We are seeking a leader who will work alongside governments and global partners to build a future where our economies are robust, our people are empowered, and our natural heritage is secure for generations to come. This appointment is fundamental to our strategy of immediate and decisive action.”

The appointment will be legally formalised through a revocable will in Victoria, Seychelles, where The Ndege Group is domiciled as a purpose trust, reflecting its core commitment to integrity.

ENDS

About The Ndege Group

Founded in 2022 by David Okiki Amayo Jr., The Ndege Group, Africa’s Sovereign Development Trust, is a pan-African initiative addressing the continent’s core challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions. The group drives transformative change through OmniGaza © and its subsidiaries: Ndege Aerospace, Ndege MarketPlace, and The Ndege Foundation, focusing on aviation, blockchain, infrastructure, education, conservation, governance, healthcare, mining, sustainable farming, talent development, and telecommunications. By collaborating with global institutions, development finance organisations, and local communities, The Ndege Group tackles critical gaps in infrastructure, resource management, and governance. Its business model integrates owner-operated projects, revenue from operating brands, IP royalties, grants, and equity to ensure sustainable growth and multigenerational impact across Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with its main trust in Seychelles, The Ndege Group is committed to forging a self-reliant, globally competitive Africa.

Contact: Steve Arika, Project Director (Kenya), The Ndege Group.