- 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.
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.
A Burundian national who has worked for IFC for more than 15 years in various leadership roles, Buyoya 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.
“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,” said Buyoya. “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.”
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.
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.
