Djibrilla Issa has been appointed division director at the World Bank, overseeing programs in five West African countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. Based in Dakar, he will manage nearly $6 billion in Bank resources and coordinate strategic engagement with national authorities.
Issa’s mandate focuses on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across the region through investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, and human capital development. He said he looks 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 ongoing geopolitical, socio-economic, and security challenges in West Africa. The region faces a projected annual infrastructure financing gap of US$20 billion by 2040, according to the OECD, while also confronting climate-related risks that threaten development and resilience.
Regional cooperation efforts are expanding to meet these challenges. In February, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) joined the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, a global initiative to strengthen infrastructure against disasters and climate hazards.
Issa, a Nigerien national, brings extensive experience in financial sector supervision and development. He previously held senior roles at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and joined the World Bank in 2001 as a financial sector specialist. He has held leadership positions in complex operational environments worldwide, most recently serving as director for “Finance, Competitiveness and Investment” covering the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Analysts say his appointment reflects the World Bank’s emphasis on leveraging experienced leadership to navigate the region’s developmental challenges while promoting growth, resilience, and integration. With nearly $6 billion under his supervision, Issa will oversee projects that span economic infrastructure, digital development, agriculture, and human capital investments, key areas for boosting employment and improving living standards across the five nations.
The World Bank highlighted that Issa’s extensive background in both regional and international contexts positions him to manage complex programs, foster partnerships with governments and the private sector, and address emerging risks in West Africa’s dynamic socio-economic landscape.
His tenure is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development, improving access to energy and digital services, and enhancing human capital outcomes, contributing to broader regional stability and sustainable economic growth.
