Dr. Acha Leke stands out as a prominent figure in the realm of African business and leadership, with an illustrious career at McKinsey & Company, where he a senior partner. Born in Cameroon, Dr. Leke has become a beacon of success and an inspiration for aspiring leaders across the continent.
Dr. Leke’s journey at McKinsey began as a Summer Associate in 1998 at the South Africa office. Recognizing his talent and dedication, he was invited to rejoin the firm in Atlanta in 1999. In 2002, he was transferred back to Johannesburg, where he played a pivotal role in expanding McKinsey’s operations throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Within McKinsey, Dr. Acha Leke is entrusted with significant responsibilities. He leads the firm’s Public and Social Sector Practice in Africa, as well as its Private Equity Practice in Africa. Additionally, he serves as a member of the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) Council, contributing to shaping the firm’s global strategies. His expertise extends to advising governments, multinational corporations, and private sector institutions across Africa on vital matters such as economic development, tax administration, growth strategies, holistic transformations, and investment decisions.
Prior to joining McKinsey, Dr. Leke pursued his academic pursuits at Stanford University, where he completed a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. During this time, he also worked as a part-time Consultant, exploring ground-breaking techniques to enhance wireless applications. His academic achievements include an M.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, also from Stanford University. As an undergraduate, he excelled at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, accompanied by a minor in Economics. Notably, he became the Valedictorian, marking a historic milestone as the first Black Valedictorian in the institution’s history.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Acha Leke is dedicated to shaping Africa’s future through education and leadership initiatives. He is a co-founder and board member of the African Leadership Academy, a renowned co-educational boarding school focused on nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Dr. Leke is also a co-founder of the African Leadership Network, an exclusive network of young African leaders committed to driving prosperity across the continent.
World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leader Alumni (2008) Dr Leke has been named Africa’s Young Investment Professional of the year (Africa Investor, 2008). He has also been featured in prestigious lists such as Forbes’ Top 40 men under 40 in South Africa (2010), Forbes’ Top 10 Youngest Power Men in Africa (2011), Africa Report’s 50 Most Influential Africans (2012), New African’s 100 Most Influential Africans (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016), Forbes’ Top 20 next-generation Francophone Africans (2013), Business Day’s Top 40 under 40 in Nigeria (2013), and Euromoney’s Top 20 Rising Stars in Africa (2014).
Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Acha Leke co-authored McKinsey’s highly acclaimed “Lions on the Move” reports, which provide valuable insights into Africa’s economic progress and potential.With his visionary leadership, exceptional achievements, and unwavering commitment to Africa’s growth, he exemplifies the immense potential that Cameroonians possess on the global stage.
The Editorial team
