Akim Daouda

Akim Daouda is an investment and climate finance expert specializing in sustainability, infrastructure, and economic development. As the founder and CEO of Mwaana Inc., he leads efforts to secure land for conservation and drive ecological restoration in the Congo Basin. His work bridges finance, policy, and business to create economic opportunities rooted in environmental stewardship.

Before launching Mwaana, Akim served as CEO of Gabon’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (FGIS), overseeing $1.8 billion in assets. He played a key role in integrating nature into finance, structuring Africa’s first $500 million debt-for-nature swap, and monetizing 90 million tons of carbon credits. His leadership extended across large-scale energy projects, banking, mining, and infrastructure investments, where he worked closely with governments and the private sector.

Akim began his career at HSBC and Commerzbank before moving into sovereign investment. He serves on advisory boards for global climate finance initiatives, including the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative. He is an INSEAD Distinguished Fellow, a former Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, and holds degrees from Concordia University, Skema Business School, and Westminster University.