IFC has appointed Olivier Buyoya as its new Regional Director for West Africa. In his new role, Buyoya, who will cover 13 countries in the region, will lead IFC’s strategy and operations to spur private sector development and opportunity.
Olivier Buyoya 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 that has immense opportunity for investment, job creation, and private sector-led growth but is also grappling with inflation, rising food insecurity, climate change, and other challenges.
IFC’s focus in West Africa includes supporting agribusiness value chains, helping bridge the infrastructure and connectivity gaps, promoting digital inclusion, supporting affordable housing, strengthening the healthcare sector, boosting manufacturing, and providing financing to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Over 15 years in international finance
A Burundian national and the son of the former president of Burundi, Pierre Buyoya, Oliver Buyoya has worked for IFC for more than 15 years in various leadership roles. He brings extensive development experience to his new role, which will be based in Dakar, Senegal. He most recently served as IFC Country Manager for Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, and Niger, where he led the implementation of high-impact development projects and helped IFC mobilize $2 billion in investments.
Prior to joining IFC, Buyoya worked for BNP Paribas Fortis in Brussels, Belgium. He holds a Master’s degree in Management from Reims Management School in France.
Olivier Buyoya Said: “I’m delighted to take up this new role and look forward to increasing IFC’s support to West Africa, a dynamic region of immense potential. Although West Africa faces both local and global challenges, increased private sector investment can help the region build stronger, more sustainable economies by developing key sectors including agribusiness, green energy, the digital economy, and others.”
Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa, said, “Olivier Buyoya’s personal and professional skills will be key for this important role and I am confident that, as our new Regional Director for West Africa, he will help deliver projects that will support private sector development and opportunity, in the 13 countries that he will cover.”
IFC is active in over 100 countries
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.
