Nairobi, Kenya, March 18, 2024—IFC today announced the appointment of Paramita Dasgupta as its first Country Advisory and Economics Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa. Dasgupta, who brings to her new role more than 25 years of experience working in public policy and investment climate promotion, will help enhance IFC's support to governments to attract more investment across the two regions.
Dasgupta will drive policy dialogue with governments in coordination with teams across the World Bank Group to support resilient, inclusive, and sustainable private sector growth and job creation. She will also work closely with country management teams to refine investment promotion strategies to focus on areas where IFC can bring the most development impact.
Dasgupta began her role on March 15, 2024, based in Nairobi.
"I'm excited to welcome Paramita to her new role," said Mary Porter Peschka, IFC's Regional Director for Eastern Africa. "I know she will strengthen our policy work in Eastern and Southern Africa, building on support IFC has already provided to our government partners that is unlocking investment, helping create jobs and developing markets."
Dasgupta, an Indian national, holds a master's degree in International Business and Economic Development from the University of Reading, UK, and has worked in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia and the Pacific. She was previously based in Singapore as IFC East Asia Pacific Manager for Creating Markets Advisory.
"I look forward to continue growing our coordination across the World Bank Group, and to developing and delivering impactful support to our government partners and stakeholders in the region to effect change that enables inclusive and sustainable private investments," said Dasgupta.
In FY23, IFC had an investment and advisory portfolio of $2.7 billion in Eastern Africa and $4.4 billion in Southern Africa. IFC's work in the two regions includes bridging infrastructure gaps in housing, improving energy infrastructure, boosting agricultural productivity, supporting small businesses, and helping to drive regional trade and connectivity.
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 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 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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