The appointment demonstrates the willingness of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to rely on proven experts to accelerate the implementation of its mandate for sustainable development on the continent, according to the financial institution.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has just appointed Dr Leandre Bassole, an experienced economist from Burkina Faso, to the key position of Deputy Director General for the East Africa Region, effective 1 June 2024.
With more than 18 years of experience in high-level policy dialogue, advisory services and country strategy development in various regions of Africa, Dr Bassole will bring his proven expertise to accelerate the implementation of the Bank’s development programmes in this strategic region.
Prior to this appointment, Bassole held the position of country director for Guinea since 2017. Under his leadership, the Bank’s portfolio of commitments in the country has grown from $240 million to $728 million by 2023, making it the preferred partner for financing high-impact development operations.
His remarkable track record includes piloting the most innovative budget support programme, combining loan and partial credit guarantee instruments for the first time in an African Development Fund country.
Dr Bassole brings a wealth of experience from the African Bank Development Group, which he joined in 2009 as a young professional. He then held the position of Senior Macroeconomist from 2012 to 2017, covering seven countries including Cape Verde, Comoros, Mali, Burundi, Madagascar, Senegal and Rwanda.
During this period, he designed and implemented policy reforms and institutional support operations in key sectors such as governance, agriculture, industry, mining, transport, infrastructure, energy, health, education and climate change.
Prior to joining the African Development Bank, Bassole worked as a researcher and development impact specialist in renowned academic and international institutions, including the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the World Bank Group.
He was a member of the core team of the 2008 World Development Report on Agriculture for Development.
This wealth of experience, combined with his reputation for building partnerships, managing large portfolios and leading successful teams, will be valuable assets in addressing the development challenges of the East African region.
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