World Bank names first African head of IFC private sector finance arm

 

The World Bank on Thursday named the first African chief executive of its private sector arm, the International Finance Corp, a position key to the bank’s efforts to finance vaccines and drive investment in low-carbon energy projects.

Makhtar Diop, a Senegalese national and the former minister of economy and finance of the West African nation, is taking over the job after serving as the World Bank’s vice president for infrastructure, overseeing the bank’s work across energy, transport, digital development and other sectors.

Earlier this week, the World Trade Organization selected former Nigerian finance minister and World Bank Managing Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its new director-general.

In a statement, World Bank President David Malpass praised Diop’s experience in both the public and private sectors, saying he will help attract investment to low-carbon energy, transportation, clean water, digital services and other infrastructure.

“Makhtar’s skills at IFC will help the World Bank Group continue our rapid response to the global crisis and help build a green, resilient, inclusive recovery,” Malpass said.

Diop replaces Philippe Le Houerou, who stepped down in September 2020 after more than four years as the IFC’s CEO. Interim CEO Stephanie von Friedeburg was appointed IFC’s senior vice president of operations.

Diop told reporters that his highest priority was to reduce the risk premium for private sector investment in “fragile states,” particularly in Africa.