Tanzanian picked for top World Bank job

WASHINGTON DC, USA: IN a historic appointment, Dr Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, a Tanzanian economist, has been appointed as the new Executive Director for the World Bank’s Africa Group 1.

For the first time in over five decades, a Tanzanian has been appointed to this prestigious position, which oversees a vast region of 22 African countries, including Tanzania itself.

The announcement was made at the annual meeting of the World Bank’s Africa Region 1, held in Washington DC.

Dr Kibwe, who has served in various leadership roles within the World Bank for over seven years, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this prestigious position.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Kibwe served as the Alternate Executive Director for the same region, where he played a pivotal role in shaping development strategies and policies.

His deep understanding of the African continent’s unique challenges and opportunities makes him uniquely qualified to lead the World Bank’s efforts in the region.

In his remarks following the announcement, Dr Kibwe expressed his commitment to fostering stronger partnerships between the World Bank and African countries, with a particular focus on promoting sustainable development and economic growth.

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Minister of Finance, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, congratulated Dr Kibwe on his appointment, highlighting the appointment as a testament to Tanzania’s growing influence on the global stage.

Dr Nchemba attributed this achievement to the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s international relations.

World Bank Africa Group I constitutes countries of Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Prior to joining the Constituency Office, Dr Kibwe served as the World Bank Country Economist for Tanzania.

Over the last 15 years of his career, he has held various positions in the President’s Office—Planning Commission (now part of Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance and Planning), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and various Higher Learning Institutions in the country.

He holds a Ph.D in Development Economics, an MA in Development Economics and a Master of Public Policy, all from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan and a BSc in Economics from Mzumbe University in Morogoro, Tanzania. His research interest is mainly in development macroeconomics.

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