The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has appointed Frank Matsaert as director of trade and infrastructure for Africa.
The Tony Blair Institute is a not-for-profit organisation which equips political leaders
and governments with the tools they need to create open, inclusive and prosperous societies in a globalised world.
It works with governments and leaders across the world, including in 17 countries in Africa.
See the full statement below.
Tony Blair Institute hires Frank Matsaert as Director of Trade and Infrastructure for Africa
The Tony Blair Institute has hired Frank Matsaert to fill a new role as Director of Trade andInfrastructure for Africa.
Mr Matsaert was the founder Chief Executive Officer of TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) from
its establishment in October 2010 until August 2022, growing it from a $60m programme to
the largest and most successful trade facilitation institution in Africa, with a cumulative budget of $1.3 billion across fifteen countries. He received an MBE award from the Her Majesty the Queen for his services to trade and economic development in Eastern Africa in June 2022.
In his new role as Director of Trade and Infrastructure, Frank will work closely with Guy
Baron, TBI’s Investment Director, to grow trade and investment by scaling-up trade facilitation and creating a pipeline of viable trade investments across Africa.
He will take up the role on 1 December 2022 and will be based in Nairobi.
Mr Matsaert said: “I am delighted to be joining the Institute as the new Trade and Infrastructure Director. Our aim is clear: to grow investment and trade across Africa by investing in trade systems withbpartner Governments, regional bodies and the private sector.
“Our priorities will be to build on the Institute’s strong reputation for delivery at the heart of
Government on trade, and to attract investment in key trade infrastructure and private sector projects across the Continent.”
Rishon Chimboza, Managing Director of Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute said: “Frank joins TBI at a critical time for governments across Africa, as they seek to attract investment and grow trade opportunities. He brings unrivalled experience in trade facilitation and private sector development to our work supporting governments across the
continent.”
