Afua Kyei Named UK’s Most Influential Black Briton

We at FabAfriq Media Group are honoured to spotlight Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, on her recognition as the No. 1 person on the 2026 Powerlist, recognising the UK’s most influential Black Briton.
This is more than an individual accolade, it is a ripple that reaches across continents, cultures and generations.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Afua Kyei’s story is anchored in two worlds the vibrant legacy of her Ghanaian heritage and the dynamic environment of British financial services.
In greeting her people, we imagine her saying in the Ghanaian dialect of Fante or Akan: “Me ma mo akye! Mo din de Afua Kyei na meyɛ wobasɔfoɔ anidasoɔ.” (“Good morning to you all! My name is Afua Kyei and I am your messenger of hope.”)
Her journey reflects an authentic embrace of her African roots, while embodying a global, forward-looking leadership.

Afua’s recognition has reverberated across major media platforms, highlighting her influence and reach:

The Guardian – “Bank of England finance chief Afua Kyei tops list of influential black Britons.” (The Guardian)

Sky News – “Bank of England chief Afua Kyei named most influential black person in UK.” (Sky News)

YEN.com.gh – “Afua Kyei, a Ghanaian-British executive, was named the most influential Black person in the UK.” (Yen.com.gh - Ghana news.)

Independent.co.uk – “Afua Kyei … takes the top spot in this year’s Powerlist …” (The Independent)
Through these outlets, her voice of competence, authenticity, and quiet strength has been amplified — inspiring young Africans in the Diaspora and on the continent alike.

When we reflect on what it takes to build meaningful leadership and genuine representation, Afua’s story underscores three key ingredients for our program, especially that of Corporate women in leadership, one flagship programs.  She didn’t start in banking; she studied chemistry at Somerville College Oxford, worked in research, then pivoted into financial services.

She credits her mother (a midwife in the NHS), her father (a Ghanaian engineer) and various professional sponsors for her ascent. From chartered accountant to investment banker to CFO of the Bank of England, her growth path was strategic and resilient.

For the women, especially Black women and African women, forging their careers, this is a blueprint: have your narrative, find your allies, and map your trajectory. Afua’s excellence and authenticity shine at the heart of the financial world, reminding us that representation matters not just in being seen, but in being valued.

Afua, we thank you for making us believe. You show us that leadership built on integrity, courage, consistent action and grounded origins is not just possible, it’s happening. Because of you, young Africans everywhere can look up and say: “If she can, so can I.”

In celebrating Afua Kyei, we at FabAfriq salute a paradigm-shifter. We believe that when corporate women in leadership commit to telling the right stories, securing the right mentorship, and crafting the right plans, they shape not only their destiny, but the direction of a continent.

Me ma mo akye, thank you, Afua Kyei. Your spirit echoes across Mother Africa and beyond.