The World Bank has appointed Hafez Ghanem as the new World Bank Vice President for Africa, effective July 1st 2018.

A development expert with over 30 years of experience, Ghanem will lead anactive regional portfolio consisting of over 600 projects totalling more than $71 billion.

Under Ghanem’s leadership, the World Bank is expected to continue to support inclusive growth and poverty reduction by financing projects that boost human capital, support private sector development and raise agricultural productivity among others.

The World Bank is also expected to improve access to infrastructure, build resilience to climate change, and promote regional integration.

Priority will be given to projects and programs that provide economic opportunities for youth and that promote gender equality.  The World Bank will also intensify its work in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Ghanem brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked in more than 30 countries in Africa, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Previously the World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, he led engagement in the region through a portfolio of ongoing projects, technical assistance and grants worth more than $13 billion.

Ghanem succeeds Makhtar Diop, who has been appointed as the World Bank’s Vice President for Infrastructure.

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