In a press release published on Monday, March 16, the World Bank announced the appointment of Djibrilla Issa as division director for Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia.

It is stated that in "the exercise of his new duties, Mr. Issa will coordinate the World Bank's engagement" in these five countries, working "closely with governments, development partners, and stakeholders." His work will focus in particular on promoting employment through strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, and human capital, with the aim of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth.

“It is an honor for me to assume this new responsibility and to strengthen the World Bank Group’s partnership with the countries whose development ambitions I will be supporting,” said Djibrilla Issa, Division Director for Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. “I look forward to working closely with national authorities and our partners to implement concrete solutions tailored to the aspirations of the people.”

The statement also indicates that the man is a Nigerian national and joined the World Bank in 2001 as a financial sector specialist. "Over 20 years, he has held positions of responsibility in various regions of the world, acquiring solid operational and managerial expertise," the statement specifies.

Prior to this appointment, Djibrilla Issa served as Sector Director for Finance, Competitiveness and Investment for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this role, he led policy dialogue and provided operational support for inclusive growth in complex national environments.

Prior to his time at the World Bank, the new division director held senior positions in banking supervision and regulation at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), while also contributing to research and teaching on trade and regional integration.

Djibrilla Issa will be based in Dakar, Senegal, from where he will lead "the World Bank's strategic engagement and country programs through a portfolio of nearly $6 billion across five countries."