The World Bank announced on March 16, 2026, the appointment of Djibrilla Issa as Division Director for five strategic countries in West Africa: Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. Based in Dakar, he will be responsible for overseeing a regional portfolio estimated at nearly $6 billion, aimed at supporting the economic and social transformation of these economies.
This appointment comes at a time when West Africa is accelerating its efforts to strengthen inclusive growth, modernize its infrastructure, and attract more international investments. In his new role, Djibrilla Issa will be tasked with coordinating the operational and strategic engagement of the World Bank in close collaboration with governments, technical and financial partners, as well as private sector actors.
The World Bank Group’s action in these five countries is expected to focus on key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, and human capital development. These areas are considered essential for boosting employment, improving economic competitiveness, and enhancing resilience to climate and economic challenges.
“It is an honor for me to take on this new responsibility and strengthen the World Bank Group’s partnership with the countries for which I will be supporting development ambitions,” said Djibrilla Issa, emphasizing his willingness to work closely with national authorities and international partners to implement concrete solutions tailored to the expectations of the populations.
A native of Niger, Djibrilla Issa joined the World Bank in 2001 as a financial sector specialist. Over more than two decades of career, he has held various leadership positions across different regions of the world, developing recognized expertise in development policies, finance, and competitiveness.
Prior to this appointment, he served as Sector Director for Finance, Competitiveness, and Investment for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, where he led reforms to strengthen the business environment and support inclusive growth in complex economic contexts.
For policymakers, financial institutions, and international investors, this appointment reflects the World Bank’s commitment to strengthen its engagement in West Africa, supporting economic reforms and mobilizing strategic investments capable of accelerating sustainable development in the region.
