Akintunde Sawyerr

Akintunde Oluwole Sawyerr (born 6 October 1964) is a Nigerian diplomat and professional in logistics, healthcare, and agricultural development. He is currently the 1st managing director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), appointed in April 2024.

Early life and education
Akintunde Sawyerr was born on 6 October 1964 in London. His educational journey began at Igbobi College in Lagos, Nigeria followed by the Royal Russell School in the United Kingdom. He then pursued higher education at the University of London, earning a BSc in Chemistry.

Career
Sawyerr has held several positions throughout his career, reflecting a strong background in supply chain management and logistics. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the Head of Sub Saharan Africa at Medtronic, overseeing the region's operations. Prior to that, in 2010, he was an International Advisor for the Supply Chain and Logistics Group in the United Arab Emirates, providing strategic guidance.

In 2009, Sawyerr took on the role of Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at EBRAM Investments in Saudi Arabia. His expertise also extends to the life sciences, consumer products, and oil & gas sectors, where he managed operations across 21 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey for DHL in 2007. That same year, he was also the Head of Supply Chain for London at DHL EXEL Supply Chain, indicating a diverse and international scope of experience.

Sawyerr founded the Produce Export Development Association (PEDA), formerly known as AFGEAN. This cooperative empowered over 2000 farmers, it focused on tackling post-harvest losses and trade barriers.

Public speaking and influence

 * COLEACP in Nigeria 2022.
 * Medtronic & GE Healthcare RTA in the United States.
 * DHL Aviation on Agricultural exports from Nigeria to Europe.
 * Europe-Africa Business Heads of Government Forum in Brussels.
 * European Development Days (EU) in 2013.

Personal life
Akintunde Sawyerr is the great-grandson of Sofolahan Josiah Sawyerr.

Read also

 * List of Nigerian diplomats
 * Nigerian Education Loan Fund