Invest Africa has appointed Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa US, a move that is indicative of the organization’s ambition to expand its U.S. footprint and deepen cross-continental investment ties.
Based in Washington, D.C., Stroud will oversee strategy, growth, and investor engagement, positioning the U.S. arm of the global investment platform as a critical bridge between American capital and African opportunities.
Invest Africa, with offices in the U.K., U.S., Middle East, and Africa, serves as a conduit for international capital into African markets. The appointment reflects the organization’s intent to accelerate engagement with U.S. investors and businesses at a time when Africa’s growth trajectory continues to attract global attention.
Stroud brings more than two decades of experience in international finance, investment, and advisory services. Most recently, she served as Director of Milken Institute International, where she founded and led the Africa Leaders Business Council.
In that role, she convened high-level investment dialogues alongside major global gatherings, including the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and the UN General Assembly, and expanded strategic partnerships with global investors.
Her career spans senior roles at the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), Pine Creek Partners, CapitalSource Finance, and Arthur Andersen LLP. She also founded Finley Advisory, where she advised funds, family offices, and impact investors on capital introductions and fundraising strategies.
“Strengthening our presence in the United States is an essential part of our strategy, enabling us to align capital, ideas, and partnerships from around the world,” said Karen Taylor, Executive Chair of Invest Africa.
“This appointment underscores Invest Africa’s role as the leading platform for channeling international investment into Africa.”
Paul Hinks, Chairman of Invest Africa US, highlighted the significance of the appointment for U.S. investors: “Africa is a vast continent with countless opportunities, and the United States is an essential partner for its growth. With Shannon’s experience, Invest Africa is uniquely positioned to help channel U.S. capital into high-impact investments across Africa and open doors for African entities in the U.S. market.”
Commenting on her appointment, Stroud said: “I look forward to deepening our relationships with investors, policymakers, and business leaders across the United States and Africa, and translating those connections into actionable partnerships. Together, we will ensure Invest Africa remains the trusted platform where investors cultivate meaningful opportunities and drive impact.”
For U.S. institutional and private investors, Stroud’s appointment signals a more structured pathway to access Africa’s emerging markets. For African enterprises, it provides a stronger entry point into the complex U.S. investment ecosystem — with Invest Africa positioning itself as a key facilitator of bilateral growth.