The World Bank Group has appointed Sylvain Kakou as Country Manager for Gabon, strengthening its country-level leadership and reinforcing its commitment to supporting the country’s economic development, poverty reduction and private sector growth.
In his new role, Kakou will lead the World Bank Group’s engagement with the government, private sector, civil society and development partners. He will oversee the design and implementation of country programmes while coordinating initiatives that promote shared prosperity, job creation and sustainable development across Gabon.
A national of Côte d’Ivoire, Kakou will represent all four World Bank Group institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). He described his appointment as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and expand opportunities for youth, women and communities across the country.
Kakou brings nearly two decades of international development experience, having joined IFC in 2006. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, including roles in South Africa, Zambia, Haiti, Central Africa and the Sahel. Prior to IFC, he worked in investment banking at Citibank and HSBC and also gained experience in project development in Côte d’Ivoire.
His appointment comes as the World Bank Group expands its integrated presence in Gabon to deepen partnerships, mobilise private investment and support inclusive economic growth. With extensive expertise in finance, project structuring and stakeholder engagement, Kakou is expected to play a key role in advancing the institution’s development agenda in the country.
