The World Bank has announced the appointment of Djibrilla Issa as its new Division Director for key West African countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia.
In his new role, Issa will oversee the World Bank Group’s operations across the five nations, managing development programs and strengthening partnerships with governments and stakeholders to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Focus on jobs, infrastructure and innovation
The World Bank said Issa’s mandate will prioritise private sector-led job creation, with strategic investments in infrastructure, agribusiness, digital connectivity, and human capital development across the region.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and deepen the World Bank’s partnership with the countries I will be serving,” Issa said.
He added that his focus would be on delivering impact-driven solutions that promote economic transformation and social inclusion.
Extensive global experience
A national of Niger, Issa brings more than two decades of experience within the World Bank, having joined the institution in 2001 as a Financial Sector Specialist.
Before his latest appointment, he served as Practice Manager for Finance, Competitiveness and Investment across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, where he led initiatives on economic resilience and inclusive growth.
Earlier in his career, Issa held senior roles at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), focusing on banking regulation and supervision, alongside academic work in trade and regional integration.
Strategic base in Dakar
Issa will be based in Dakar, from where he will coordinate a regional portfolio valued at nearly $6 billion, covering a wide range of development projects.
The appointment comes as the World Bank intensifies efforts to support economic transformation in West Africa, a region seen as critical to the continent’s long-term growth trajectory.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
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