• Djibrilla Issa takes charge of World Bank programs in Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia, managing a $6 billion portfolio.

• His mandate focuses on sustainable and inclusive growth through infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, and human capital investment.

• Issa brings extensive financial sector experience from BCEAO and prior World Bank leadership roles in complex regions.

The World Bank appointed Djibrilla Issa as division director overseeing Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. Based in Dakar, he will manage strategic engagement and country programs with nearly $6 billion in resources, the Bank announced on March 16.

Issa will focus on creating employment and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth through investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, and human capital development. He said, “I look forward to working closely with national authorities and our partners to implement practical solutions that meet the aspirations of local populations.”

The appointment comes amid regional geopolitical, socio-economic, and security challenges. West Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing gap of $20 billion by 2040, according to the OECD, and must also address climate change impacts.

Regional cooperation efforts are expanding. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) joined in February the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, a global partnership to strengthen infrastructure resilience against disasters and climate risks.

Issa, a Nigerien national, previously held senior banking supervision roles at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). He joined the World Bank in 2001 as a financial sector specialist and held leadership roles worldwide. Most recently, he served as director for “Finance, Competitiveness and Investment” covering the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, providing policy guidance and operational support in complex national contexts.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum