By Haddy Touray
The World Bank has appointed Djibrilla Issa as Division Director for Senegal, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia.
A statement obtained by PANA on Tuesday outlined that in his new role, Mr. Issa will oversee the World Bank Group’s engagement across the five countries, collaborating with governments, development partners, and stakeholders to advance priority initiatives.
His mandate includes promoting private sector-led job creation through investments in infrastructure, agribusiness, digital connectivity, and human capital, aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility and to strengthen the World Bank Group’s partnership with the countries I will serve,” Mr. Issa said.
“I look forward to working closely with national authorities and partners to deliver solutions that respond to people’s needs through economic transformation and social inclusion across the region.”
A Nigerien national, Mr. Issa joined the World Bank in 2001 as a Financial Sector Specialist. He has since held several senior positions, gaining extensive operational and leadership experience across multiple regions.
Before his current appointment, he served as Practice Manager for Finance, Competitiveness and Investment for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, leading policy dialogue and operational support on inclusive growth, economic transformation, and resilience.
Prior to joining the World Bank, Mr. Issa held senior roles in banking supervision and regulation at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and worked in research and academia focusing on trade and regional integration.
Mr. Issa will be based in Dakar, Senegal, from where he will oversee the World Bank’s strategic engagement and country programmes, managing a five-country portfolio valued at nearly $6 billion.
