In his new role, Pontara will lead policy dialogue with governments and key development partners while coordinating the World Bank’s activities in the region.

His focus will be on supporting job creation and economic growth through investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity and human capital development. “It is with pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I will serve the Sahel, a region where I started my career,” Pontara said.

He added that he looks forward to working closely with governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to advance development priorities in the region through new Country Partnership Frameworks. “Together, through the new Country Partnership Frameworks, we will support sustainable economic recovery, job creation and climate resilience,” he said.

An economist by training, Pontara joined the World Bank in 2000 through the Young Professionals Programme and has held a range of leadership roles across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, East Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and Central Asia.

He has extensive experience working in fragile and conflict-affected environments, helping to develop policies tailored to countries facing instability and security challenges.

Among his previous assignments, Pontara helped establish the World Bank’s Centre for Conflict, Security and Development in Nairobi, led the institution’s office in Juba, South Sudan, and served as country manager in Bolivia, Laos and Serbia.

An Italian national, he holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies and has written extensively on poverty, natural resources and regional integration.

Based in Bamako, Mali, Pontara will oversee the World Bank Group’s engagement across a regional portfolio valued at nearly $15 billion, supporting development efforts in four of the Sahel’s most challenging operating environments.

–WorldBank/ChannelAfrica–