An interview with Samy Zaghloul, AMFIE’s newest board member
Mr. Samy Zaghoul during a visit from AfDB to Namibia, with Mr. Hege Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.
An interview with Samy Zaghloul, AMFIE’s newest board member
Mr. Zaghloul was elected to the Board in June 2018. We interviewed him to learn more about why he chose to serve on AMFIE’s Board and his vision for AMFIE’s future.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background? - Where you grew up? Where you studied?
I was born and raised in Cairo. I studied engineering with a major in computer science as an undergraduate. Later, I got a chance to study at Harvard, where I completed a Masters of Public Administration and then a PhD in Urban Planning with a minor in Computer Science. My research was to develop a computer model that can predict the urban growth of a city.
How did you come to work in the international civil service?
I worked as a computer scientist for most of my career. Later I moved into government and eventually became Cabinet Secretary General.
After a number of years in government, I decided to capitalize on my experiences in both the private sector and government by joining the international civil service. I was elected as a board member at the African Development Bank for 6 years. During that period I supervised many economic and social development programs and many infrastructure development projects all over Africa.
What made you decide to join the Board at AMFIE?
Because of my experience at the African Development Bank, I think of myself as the representative voice of members. I believe that my long experience in the international civil service can help me to reflect their views and their needed services.
What services do you use at AMFIE?
During a visit from AMFIE’s prospection team, I discovered that AMFIE could be a vehicle for global investment services. I can use AMFIE to invest in funds in different currencies and different countries, while having access to my resources worldwide. These types of services are not offered by my local bank, which makes AMFIE a unique institution.
What is your vision for AMFIE’s future?
I think AMFIE has a great potential for growth, by providing a wider range of services that local banks cannot offer.
AMFIE already makes it possible for members to manage their funds globally and long-term. AMFIE’s presence in Luxembourg is also an advantage. Luxembourg provides security, stability and long-term investment perspective. In the future, AMFIE could expand to provide additional services, such as credit and a wider range of mutual fund products.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?
I do a lot of sports, especially swimming, which I do regularly. It’s good for circulation!