Change in AATIF Board of Directors

With sincere gratitude to the service and duties rendered to AATIF, we would like to announce the resignation of Jyrki Koskelo effective 1st September 2023. Jyrki has served as a member of the Board of Directors as well as the chair of the Investment Committee since 2011.

Having been with the Fund almost since its inception, Jyrki has been integral to AATIF’s efforts throughout the years, wherein over USD 340m+ in capital has been deployed towards the AATIF’s mission to realize the potential of Africa’s agricultural production and related manufacturing, service provision, and trade through sustainable investments across the entire value chain.

Ms Doris Kohn, Chair of the AATIF Board, reflected on Jyrki’s time with the Fund in saying, “AATIF is grateful to Jyrki for his uncompromised commitment to deliver our mission, and his dedication to Africa, its people, and businesses. He has been an esteemed colleague and an unwavering presence throughout our journey together. Now, I wish him nothing but the very best in his next chapter”.

From the Investment Team, Michael Hoelter had this to say about Jyrki’s time at the helm: “In the past few years, AATIF has had to navigate through times of unprecedented difficulty not only for the Fund, but also for almost all African agribusinesses. As the investment team we had the luxury of having had Jyrki as a highly competent sparring partner during this time.”

We thank Jyrki for his time at the Fund and wish him the best going forward!

In the same breath, AATIF extends a hearty welcome to Claudia Huber, who joins as the newest member of the Board of Directors, effective 1st September 2023. Claudia joins with more than fifteen years of experience in financial inclusion and rural economic development from public and private sector perspectives, with proficiency working across Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Speaking on the appointment, Ms Doris Kohn (Chair of the AATIF Board) said of the appointment, “We, the Board of Directors, are delighted to welcome Claudia and her driving passion towards the sector and the region, which will contribute greatly to AATIF’s successes in the coming years.”

Commenting on the occasion, Michael Hoelter, noted: “With Claudia joining the Board of Directors we experience a seamless transition with regards to the knowledge and connectivity about and with African agribusinesses. We are grateful to be able to work with Claudia and the entire Board of Directors to further expand the investment portfolio, and the impact which AATIF’s activities represent along with it.”