South Africa’s export credit agency has appointed Linda Seroka as chief executive.

The Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) said in a social media post that Seroka began in the role on June 1.

The agency said she “brings extensive leadership experience, strategic insight, and a strong understanding of the financial and export development landscape to her new role”.

Seroka replaces Ntshengedzeni Maphula, who had been acting chief executive since mid-2023, after the death of ECIC’s then-leader Mandisi Nkhulu.

Before joining ECIC, Seroka was founder of business advisory firm Kaéro Executive Partners, and prior to that chief executive of Barloworld SMD, a salvage management and disposal services provider to the insurance sector.

ECIC chair Delia Ndlovu said the board “is confident that Ms Seroka will provide the leadership and strategic direction required to build on the strong foundation established in the last twenty-five years”.

“Her appointment reflects ECIC’s continued commitment to operational excellence, stakeholder value, and developmental impact.”

The total value of insurance provided by ECIC has fallen consistently since 2021 to around R$10bn (US$617mn), according to the agency’s most recent annual report. A handful of new transactions were approved last year, and zero in 2024.