The Gambian economist brings to his new post “in-depth knowledge and a wealth of experience,” the pan-African financial institution, which he joined in 2000, said in a statement to APA.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Barrow was Senior Director of the Nigeria Office, within the Regional Development, Integration and Service Delivery Vice-Presidency. His expertise covers the fields of policy analysis, strategic management, project financing, regional integration and public-private partnerships, the ADB points out.
As head of the Nigeria Office, Mr Barrow “significantly strengthened” the Bank’s development cooperation with the federal government in Abuja and forged strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. He managed the AfDB’s “$4.5 billion portfolio” in the West African country and led the roll-out of flagship initiatives including the
Special Agribusiness Transformation Zones and the Digital and Creative Enterprise Investment Programme.
Lamin Barrow holds a master’s degree in economic policy from Boston University, USA, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Prior to joining the African Development Bank, he worked at the Gambia National Investment Board as head of the Project Development Unit and led the Export Promotion and Development Division.
He has also held the position of Senior Economist in the Policy Analysis Unit of the Office of the President of The
Gambia, and worked for Shelter Afrique.
“I would like to thank President Adesina for his confidence in me and this great opportunity to take on this new role and contribute further to the implementation of the Bank’s initiatives in support of the development programmes of West African countries,” he said following his appointment.
Barrow “is well placed to lead the West Africa team, which holds the Bank’s largest portfolio. He will bring his wealth of experience to bear on increasing operational efficiency, improving the overall quality of the Bank’s portfolio in the West Africa region to achieve significant development impact,” said Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group.
ODL/te/fss/as/APA