Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire, July 21, 2023 — IFC has appointed Josiane Kwenda as its new country manager for Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo. In her new role, Ms. Kwenda will lead IFC's strategy and operations to spur private sector development and drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth across the cluster.
Ms. Kwenda, who has worked for IFC for more than 13 years, will work closely with the World Bank, development partners, and public and private sector partners to lead efforts to grow IFC's investment and advisory programs in the region, and create jobs across the countries' agribusiness, financial, and infrastructure sectors.
An American and Cameroonian national, Ms. Kwenda brings extensive development experience to her new role, which will be based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. She most recently served as IFC Country Manager for Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and the Gambia, where she helped develop a new pipeline of projects through increased business development efforts, significantly growing IFC's portfolio in the cluster.
"Increased private sector investment in key sectors such as agribusiness, green energy, and the digital economy can help the region build stronger, more sustainable economies," said Kwenda. "I'm excited to take up my new role and look forward to increasing IFC's support to these countries and helping to boost private sector development."
"Josiane's broad experience across sectors and regions and her personal skills will serve her well in her new role. I welcome her to this important role and look forward to working with her to help bring greater opportunity and support economic development in this cluster of countries," said Olivier Buyoya, IFC's Regional Director for West Africa.
Before joining IFC, Ms. Kwenda worked in Citigroup's Investment Banking and Corporate Banking divisions in London. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University.
IFC's focus in in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo includes supporting agribusiness value chains, helping to bridge infrastructure and connectivity gaps, promoting digital inclusion, supporting affordable housing, strengthening the healthcare sector, boosting manufacturing, and providing financing to micro and smaller businesses.
About IFC
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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