Beyond the balance sheet: Dr. Patricia’s vision for a transformed Africa

DAR ES SALAAM – As part of the 2025 Women’s Leadership Forum, organized by the Uongozi Institute, we had the distinct honor of sitting down with Dr. Patricia Laverley, the dynamic Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) for Tanzania. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Laverley, a titan in the world of development finance, unpacks her leadership philosophy, the drivers of impactful investment, and her unwavering commitment to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.

Q: What’s the Core of Your Leadership DNA?

ANSWER: My leadership is built on a foundation of authenticity and a holistic worldview. The Dr. Patricia Laverley you see today is a culmination of every experience, both personal and professional.

My unique value proposition is anchored in accountability, reputation, and unwavering integrity. This personal brand has been my North Star. It hasn’t been a simple journey, but my faith and the support of my family have been my bedrock.

Q: You’ve overseen a significant expansion of the AfDB’s portfolio in Tanzania. How have you catalyzed this growth and fostered impactful public-private partnerships (PPPs)?

ANSWER: Throughout my career, I’ve focused on creating synergies between public and private sectors. In Tanzania, this has translated into a doubling of the AfDB’s portfolio since my arrival, reaching an unprecedented scale. We are not just financing projects; we are making strategic investments in the nation’s future.

Our support for critical infrastructure like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Msalato Airport, alongside innovative initiatives like ‘Better Building Tomorrow’ (BBT), are prime examples of how we de-risk and deploy blended finance to unlock transformative growth.

Our partnerships with leading banks like CRDB, NMB, and EXIM Bank are crucial for building a robust financial ecosystem that drives inclusive and sustainable development.

Q: In a world of constant disruption, what are the guiding principles that have anchored your career?

ANSWER: Resilience and adaptability are paramount. I’ve been described as ‘a cat with nine lives,’ which speaks to my ability to navigate adversity. However, the true anchor has always been authenticity and integrity. In the financial services industry, credibility is our most valuable asset.

I believe in a form of stakeholder capitalism where our decisions are guided by logical reasoning, ethical frameworks, and financial integrity. This ensures that even in turbulent times, we remain true to our core values and our long-term vision.

Q: As a prominent female leader, how are you leveraging your position to champion financial inclusion and empower women entrepreneurs?

ANSWER: I bring a multifaceted perspective that combines personal accountability with a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy. In a region where access to credit remains a significant barrier for women, I have championed initiatives that promote ‘gender-lens investing.’

Through the AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, we are disrupting traditional lending models and empowering Tanzanian banks to increase their lending to women-owned and women-managed businesses. With a female Head of State in Tanzania, the momentum for women’s economic empowerment is palpable, and we are committed to being a key catalyst in this journey.

Q: How do you cultivate the resilience and vision necessary to lead with sustained impact?

ANSWER: My resilience is deeply rooted in my faith and personal convictions. The true measure of our impact isn’t found in boardrooms or parliamentary chambers. It’s felt by the project beneficiaries in the most remote parts of the country.

This is where our work becomes truly transformative. My personal growth is fueled by witnessing the successful delivery of projects that enhance human capital and create lasting change for communities.

Q: In the spirit of continuous improvement, what’s next on your personal development agenda?

ANSWER: Humility is the cornerstone of my growth. No one has a monopoly on knowledge. I view every day as a learning opportunity, a chance to refine my understanding and adapt my approach. Leadership is not a static position but a dynamic journey of learning, unlearning, and re-learning.

I am committed to being an agile leader, constantly evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Q: What is your assessment of the current state of female leadership in Africa, and what will it take to accelerate progress?

ANSWER: We are at an inspiring inflection point. Women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles across all sectors, from politics to the C-suite. However, we must ensure that this representation translates into genuine decision-making power.

Platforms like the Uongozi Institute’s Women’s Leadership Forum are critical for building the networks and fostering the skills that will enable women to drive policy, inspire the next generation, and create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Q: During the Uongozi panel, you spoke passionately about the qualities that define effective leadership. Can you elaborate on what you believe constitutes transformative leadership in today’s Africa?

ANSWER: Leadership that is truly transformative must be both compassionate and visionary. We need leaders who can see beyond the immediate horizon while remaining deeply connected to the human impact of their decisions.

Integrity and accountability are non-negotiable pillars. In the financial services sector, these aren’t just buzzwords; they are the foundation of trust and long-term value creation. I also believe deeply in the importance of collaboration. No single leader, no matter how brilliant, can drive systemic change alone.

We must build coalitions, foster partnerships, and create ecosystems where diverse voices contribute to our collective success.

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Q: You’ve been vocal about supporting other women leaders. What’s your philosophy on female empowerment in professional spaces?

ANSWER: We have a unique opportunity to change the narrative. For too long, the story has been one of scarcity, of women competing for limited seats at the table. I reject that paradigm.

My philosophy is simple: lift your sisters up. When we invest in each other’s success, we create a multiplier effect that benefits entire communities and economies. I also believe in never burning bridges.

The professional world is interconnected, and today’s colleague may be tomorrow’s strategic partner. Maintaining relationships with grace and professionalism is not just good ethics; it’s good business.

Q: What is your call to action for the next generation of female leaders in Africa?

ANSWER: Believe in yourself and your purpose. Authentic leadership is an inside-out process. Never compromise your integrity for short-term gains, and do not let adversity define you. Remaining authentic and maintaining humility are essential, even as you rise through the ranks.

Seek out mentorship, stay grounded in your values, and trust that with faith, perseverance, and authenticity, your impact will create a ripple effect far beyond your immediate circle.

Every act of leadership, no matter how small, contributes to the digital transformation and sustainable future of Africa. Remember, we are not just building careers; we are building legacies that will inspire generations to come.