British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has announced the appointment of Sylvia Monthe as its new Coverage Director for Francophone West and Central Africa, a strategic move aimed at deepening the institution’s engagement and investment footprint across the region.
In her new role, Monthe will be responsible for leading BII’s investment activities, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships in Francophone countries across West and Central Africa. Her appointment underscores BII’s commitment to expanding its presence in underserved and high-potential markets, while fostering sustainable economic development through impactful investments.
A Seasoned Leader with Deep Regional Expertise
Sylvia Monthe brings over 20 years of experience in the banking, investment, and financial services sectors, with a career that spans both Europe and Africa. She is fluent in French and English, a critical asset for navigating the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of the region.
Prior to joining BII, Monthe served as Head of Financial Institutions for Central Africa at Proparco, the French development finance institution. In that role, she managed a significant portfolio in the financial sector and played a key role in shaping Proparco’s investment strategy across Central Africa.
Her earlier career was rooted in France, where she held senior roles at leading financial institutions including Société Générale Corporate and Investment Bank, Crédit Agricole CIB, and AXA Investment Managers. She later relocated to Cameroon, where she took on entrepreneurial ventures—managing a food processing company and founding a consultancy firm that supported SMEs in fundraising, strategic planning, and performance improvement.
Driving Inclusive Growth Across Francophone Africa
Monthe’s appointment comes at a time when BII is actively scaling its operations across Africa, with a focus on inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and private sector development. Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing investment opportunities in sectors such as financial inclusion, infrastructure, renewable energy, and agribusiness.
Commenting on her new role, Monthe said:
“I am excited to join BII and contribute to its impactful work across the continent. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in London and across Africa to drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in the region.”
