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

DAR ES SALAAM – At the 2025 Women’s Leadership Forum organized by the Uongozi Institute, Dr. Patricia Laverley, Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in Tanzania, spoke about leadership, investment, and her vision for an inclusive Africa.

A veteran of development finance, Dr. Laverley shared insights on integrity, gender empowerment, and building partnerships that drive long-term growth across the continent.

Q: What’s at the core of your leadership DNA?

A: My leadership is grounded in authenticity and integrity. Every experience—personal or professional—has shaped who I am. Accountability and reputation form my compass. The journey has not been easy, but my faith and family have kept me steady.

Q: How have you expanded AfDB’s portfolio and strengthened public-private partnerships in Tanzania?

A: I focus on creating synergies between the public and private sectors. Since I arrived, AfDB’s portfolio in Tanzania has doubled. We’re investing strategically in the nation’s future—projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Msalato Airport, and the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative show how blended finance can unlock growth. Our collaborations with CRDB, NMB, and EXIM Bank are building a resilient financial ecosystem for sustainable development.

Q: What principles have guided your career through disruption and change?

A: Resilience and adaptability. I’ve been called “a cat with nine lives,” but authenticity and integrity are my anchors. In finance, credibility is everything. I practice stakeholder capitalism—balancing ethics, logic, and financial rigor—to stay true to our purpose, even in turbulent times.

Q: How are you using your platform to empower women entrepreneurs?

A: I combine accountability with empathy and emotional intelligence. Access to finance is still a challenge for many women. Through AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa), we’re transforming lending practices and helping banks increase credit to women-owned and women-led businesses. With Tanzania’s first female president, the momentum for women’s empowerment is strong, and AfDB is proud to support it.

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Q: What fuels your resilience and sense of purpose?

A: My faith. True impact isn’t measured in boardrooms—it’s seen in communities. When I visit rural projects that improve lives and build human capital, that’s where I find meaning.

Q: What’s next on your personal development journey?

A: Humility and continuous learning. Leadership is a process of learning, unlearning, and re-learning. Every day offers a chance to evolve and stay agile amid change.

Q: How do you view the current state of female leadership in Africa?

A: We’re at a turning point. Women are increasingly visible in politics, business, and civil society. But we must ensure visibility translates into real influence. Platforms like Uongozi’s Women’s Leadership Forum are vital for building networks and shaping the next generation of decision-makers.

Q: What defines transformative leadership in today’s Africa?

A: Transformative leadership blends vision with compassion. Leaders must think beyond short-term outcomes and stay rooted in humanity. Integrity, accountability, and collaboration are essential—no single leader can drive systemic change alone. Progress depends on partnerships and shared purpose.

Q: What’s your philosophy on empowering other women?

A: Lift others as you climb. The idea that women must compete for limited seats is outdated. When we invest in each other’s success, we multiply our collective impact. Relationships built on respect and grace endure—and in leadership, that’s both ethical and strategic.

Q: What’s your message to the next generation of African women leaders?

A: Believe in yourself and your purpose. Authentic leadership starts within. Never sacrifice integrity for convenience, and let humility guide your rise. Seek mentors, stay grounded, and remember—we’re not just building careers; we’re shaping the legacy of Africa’s transformation.