ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an understanding of the factors to be considered in constituting the board of directors of companies and how this affects the processes and effectiveness of the board in developing and emerging markets. It describes boards and their responsibilities, as well as the roles of the chairman and chief executive officer within public companies in three African countries -Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Drawing from the existing codes of corporate governance, empirical research, and available information from publicly listed companies, the chapter discusses the codes of corporate governance in these countries, the composition of boards, gender diversity, age, experience and independence of directors. In conclusion, the relevance of improved corporate governance practices and its influence on board effectiveness were emphasized.
