Our Team

The international scope of ACGF's work, combined with deep local expertise, directly translates into the organization’s commitment to professionalism and diversity.

ACGF’s staff come from an array of nationalities and backgrounds. In our diversity, we remain committed to the shared values of professionalism, diligence, openness and continuous learning. Commitment to these values encourages ACGF’s team to grow both professionally and personally.

Bernd Leidner

Our business is all about people:
The staff in our very lean head office who create and support our structures, the colleagues in our subsidiary in Afghanistan who work so hard to achieve business volume and ensure portfolio quality, the employees of the partner financial institutions who we closely cooperate with and train and, foremost, the business owners and their employees who are at the center of what we do: Unlocking potential and facilitating growth, jobs and income.

It gives me great joy to shape this work and see its impact.

Bernd Leidner

Chairman of Management Board

Dirk Josef Thiesen

Since more than 10 years, my personal and professional engagement is focussed on improving the living conditions of Afghan women, men and children by strengthening Afghan MSMEs being the backbone of Afghanistan’s economy. The impact created by ACGF has always encouraged me to move forward in our activities even in very challenging times. The highly diverse and professional team of ACGF and SCSA have enabled us to overcome all challenges in the past. I am therefore convinced that we can very substantially contribute to a future well-being of the Afghan people. 

Dirk Josef Thiesen

Vice Chairman of Management Board

Daniel Jobmann

ACGF contributes to long-term SME financing, employment creation and economic development in Afghanistan. Being part of ACGF’s charitable mission provides motivation to work hard for a good cause. I appreciate working in an international team in Germany and enjoy the know how exchange with all our colleagues in Afghanistan

Daniel Jobmann

Senior Manager – Finance & Controlling

Jana Steverding

When I joined ACGF in 2020, I was deeply impressed about the commitment, experience, and technical know-how present in the organisation. Working at ACGF, I am daily challenged to deliver at the best of my abilities and feel to contribute to a greater cause – enhancing access to finance for MSMEs in Afghanistan, therefore supporting livelihoods and economic development in a challenging environment.

Jana Steverding

Head of Transaction Management

Detulio Ailton Goncalves Fumo​

Detulio Ailton Goncalves Fumo

Guarantee Business Sales Manager (External)

Stefano De Cristofaro

Working at ACGF has offered me the opportunity to have a concrete understanding of the complexity and richness of the Afghan culture and Afghan people. I am fully committed to support Afghan MSMEs through an increased access to finance, especially for the most vulnerable categories.

Stefano De Cristofaro

Head of Risk Management

Francisco Urdeneta​

It is a privilege to be involved in creating solutions for a sector as critical as the MSMEs by improving their access to finance where each credit represents an opportunity to support a job and in a sense someone’s livelihood. The challenge is very demanding, but the reward is even greater.

Francisco Urdeneta

Head of Monitoring & Evaluation

Mattias Grammling​

Dr. Mattias Grammling

Head of Technical Assistance

Martin Rohler

“Supporting MSMEs in war-torn countries is a vital component of restoring economic development path and steering societies, particularly youth, away from involvement in conflict, war economies, and illicit activities. ACGF efforts to enhance financial accessibility for MSMEs in Afghanistan are pivotal in fostering job creation, reducing poverty, and supporting the overall economic recovery in the country. It is a great privilege for me to contribute to ACGF endeavours aimed at restoring the livelihoods of Afghanistan’s people. Working with ACGF affords me the opportunity to translate years of research in development finance within conflict-affected countries into tangible interventions that improve lives of individuals impacted by armed conflict.”

Martin Rohler

Consultant - Technical Assistance

Janine Vogt

Having accompanied ACGF from its start, I saw the foundation growing and going through the changes the circumstances of the last years brought along. ACGF’s international team is working its way forward in a challenging environment, cooperating closely on all levels to keep the foundation and its goals thriving, aiming at the change for the better for Afghan livelihoods. Contrary to what had been expected in the very early beginning, ACGF’s contribution to the functioning of Afghan’s MSME has not become less important. Being part of the Compliance Department gives the opportunity to support all departments of ACGF. As a toothed wheel in ACGF’s demanding mission, I feel in the right place.

Janine Vogt

Senior Compliance Analyst

Maksimiliana Zabunova

Living in extensively multicultural environment in Berlin I am a passionate believer in building lasting relations between communities, cultures, and individuals through promoting cooperation, tolerance, openness, communication, and transparency. ACGF shares these values and gives me the opportunity to immerse into a unique culture and environment, and to witness a real positive impact on the development of a country experiencing turbulent changes, insecurity, and economic crisis. Working with my diverse, highly experienced, and motivated colleagues only makes the experience much more valuable.

Maksimiliana Zabunova

Compliance Officer

Akos Nagy

Akos Nagy

Junior Compliance Analyst

Sally Castillo

Working at ACGF has offered me the opportunity to collaborate with a highly professional and dedicated international team. It is a great satisfaction to contribute to ACGF’s mission to support the growth of the MSME sector in Afghanistan. I firmly believe that supporting MSMEs through access to finance has a positive impact on the development of a country and the well-being of the people.

Sally Castillo

Senior Risk Officer

Jabulani Mlalandle

As a finance professional, working at ACGF allows me to transfer my skills in a positive environment. The work we do at ACGF generally allows us to work towards a specific mission that directly, tangibly, and positively impacts the Afghan MSME economy. In addition to that, one of ACGF’s success factors is the strong belief in the diversity of the team which enables the company to remain committed to the shared values of professionalism, diligence, openness, and continuous learning. Commitment to these values encourages me to grow both professionally and personally.”

Jabulani Mlalandle

Senior Finance & Controlling Officer

Ihsan Arian

Working as a Finance and Controlling officer at ACGF is a distinct honour, as ACGF embodies not merely a foundation but also a thriving institution where mutual learning thrives. ACGF’s resolute commitment to sustaining its operations during these challenging times, even when many other organizations have withdrawn their support in Afghanistan, demonstrates its unwavering dedication to serving the Afghan people. ACGF’s significant contributions to fostering private sector growth, facilitating job creation, and providing steadfast support to MSMEs in achieving their goals fill me with profound pride as I become an integral part of this noble mission.

Ihsan Arian

Finance & Controlling Officer

Robin Schiffler

I enjoy working at ACGF as we aim to make a difference for the better in this world. It fulfils me to employ my knowledge and skills in an organisation that promotes economic development in a country where people lack opportunities for a better future. While the purpose motivates me, I also embrace the variety of challenging tasks and interesting topics at hand as well as the environment of a diverse and young team.

Robin Schiffler

Senior Matching Grants Analyst

Idrees Haidarpoor

It is during the toughest times that one can see who truly stands with them and I experienced this when the Afghan government collapsed in August 2021. While many left Afghanistan and its people behind, ACGF stood alongside its partners and its staff and provided support. It still does and will continue to do so. As an Afghan, it is important for me to exploit my abilities and skills with an organization that contributes to the development of my country and ACGF is the one. I believe what we do at ACGF is of great value and has a meaningful impact on the financial sector of Afghanistan.

Idrees Haidarpoor

Senior Guarantee Transaction Analyst

Mohibullah Enayat

Mohibullah Enayat

Senior Guarantee Business Analyst

Martina Vetter

Working at ACGF has given me a greater understanding of the importance in supporting MSMEs in an economically challenging country. Through the support of financing, business development and training, I find satisfaction in knowing we are helping people to realize their dreams and contribute to their economic development. ACGF is full of young and dedicated professionals with a diverse cultural background which makes working here interesting.

Martina Vetter

Senior Transaction Analyst

Sayed Ahmad Fahim Masoumi

At ACGF, our commitment goes beyond financial guarantees; we’re dedicated to empowering MSMEs in Afghanistan by guaranteeing hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. As an Afghan, I deeply value the transformative impact ACGF has on our community. Each financing we facilitate, every business we support, and every job we help create weaves into the fabric of our society. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building resilience, nurturing entrepreneurship, and laying the groundwork for a prosperous and thriving Afghanistan.

Sayed Ahmad Fahim Masoumi

Executive Analyst

Miraly Salimov

Miraly Salimov

Consultant - Senior Transaction Analyst

Verena Kauth

I feel privileged to be part of such a dedicated and diverse team that strives to create an impact for the Afghan population. Working for ACGF means constantly facing new realities on the ground and growing with the challenges this entails. Due to the small size of the organization and the constantly developing realities, responsibilities are very diverse and you have permanently the opportunity to learn something new.

Verena Kauth

Senior Technical Assistance Analyst

Jana Büssing

“Working at ACGF with a highly professional, dedicated, and diverse team to improve access to finance in Afghanistan is truly fulfilling. The whole team is very committed to creating a positive impact, making working at ACGF exciting and rewarding. Operating in the dynamic context of Afghanistan means regularly overcoming hurdles, which brings many opportunities for learning and growth, while also allowing to deeply engage with Afghanistan’s cultural context.”

Jana Büssing

Technical Assistance Analyst

Hileleule Getachew Tesfaye

“Working at ACGF has allowed me the opportunity to play a crucial role in supporting Afghanistan’s financial sector, thereby making a tangible impact on the nation’s development. As a TA analyst, I am enabled to leverage my multidisciplinary background to drive projects with real-world significance. The supportive environment here encourages growth and creativity, allowing me to thrive both professionally and personally. I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic team.”

Hileleule Getachew Tesfaye

Technical Assistance Analyst

Hileleule Getachew Tesfaye

“Supporting MSMEs in war-torn countries is a vital component of restoring economic development path and steering societies, particularly youth, away from involvement in conflict, war economies, and illicit activities. ACGF efforts to enhance financial accessibility for MSMEs in Afghanistan are pivotal in fostering job creation, reducing poverty, and supporting the overall economic recovery in the country. It is a great privilege for me to contribute to ACGF endeavours aimed at restoring the livelihoods of Afghanistan’s people. Working with ACGF affords me the opportunity to translate years of research in development finance within conflict-affected countries into tangible interventions that improve lives of individuals impacted by armed conflict.”

Mohammad Al-Asadi Ph.D.

Development Finance Analyst

Waheed Hadeed

Diverse in background and perspective, cohesive in action, supportive in growth and development, we at ACGF constantly question the status quo, learn from experiences, and innovate. And above all, our efforts are assisting entrepreneurs who are most in need. I am delighted to be part of this endeavor.”

Waheed Hadeed

Monitoring, Evaluation & Data Quality Analyst

Kilian Kraatz

Ever since joining the team, I have been amazed by the diversity of the people working for ACGF. How the experiences and knowledge from different cultures, backgrounds and areas of expertise are seamlessly incorporated into a productive and efficient workflow. I’m happy to be able to use and improve my IT knowledge to assist with the important work done in this remarkable work environment.

Kilian Kraatz

IT & Data Analyst

Cynthia Walbaum

I am proud to be part of a dynamic and committed team that is passionate about supporting economic development in Afghanistan and creating a positive impact for the Afghan people. What I enjoy most about my position as HR & Administration Officer is the opportunity to work in a small, diverse, and international team. Every day I experience the cultural diversity and unique perspectives of my colleagues, which contribute to an inspiring work environment. Due to the small size of the organization, the range of my responsibilities is very diverse, I am constantly learning new things and have the opportunity to grow on a personal and professional level.

Cynthia Walbaum

HR & Administration Officer

Laura Hollerieth

Laura Hollerieth

Student Assistant - HR & Administration

Taznuba Kaniz

Taznuba Kaniz

Student Assistant - Finance & Controlling

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