The African Development Bank Group has made a significant move to bolster its private sector operations by appointing Ousmane Fall as the new Director of Non-Sovereign Operations and Private Sector. The Senegalese national is set to assume this pivotal role on August 1, 2023, bringing a wealth of experience accumulated over a successful 17-year career.
Fall’s most recent tenure at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has been marked by strategic leadership in the African infrastructure space, where he played a vital role in various sectors, including water, waste, and sanitation; transport and energy; logistics; and telecommunications. His accomplishments include overseeing the establishment of the Municipal Financing Platform for Sub-Saharan Africa and executing groundbreaking asset-backed securities investment for access to energy in Africa. Additionally, he orchestrated the first-ever private sector investments in hydro and solar projects in Gabon and Benin.
Prior to his time at the IFC, Fall held a decade-long tenure at the African Development Bank Group, where he made significant contributions to private sector transactions. Among his achievements was the execution of the first non-sovereign operations transactions in agriculture, health, and education. He also spearheaded the port dredging and gas-to-power projects that have had a lasting impact on the continent.
Fall’s extensive knowledge of African debt and equity markets, guarantee products, derivatives, and credit enhancement instruments has proven invaluable in shaping successful financial strategies. Moreover, his expertise in developing municipal financing strategies for cities like Dakar, Cotonou, Abidjan, and Douala underscores his dedication to transforming African cities.
Expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm for the appointment, Fall said, “I am honoured and grateful that President Adesina appointed me to this position. I look forward to working under his leadership to serve the premier financial institution of the continent in its ambitious vision to transform the African continent through the private sector.”
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, praised Fall’s track record and stated, “Ousmane has a proven track record of delivering results in private sector transactions. He will ensure the overall effectiveness of the Bank’s Private Sector operations through non-sovereign operations project and corporate portfolio management as well as transaction support to non-sovereign operations origination departments.”
With Fall’s appointment, the African Development Bank Group reinforces its commitment to promoting private sector investments in Africa and paving the way for sustainable economic growth across the continent. As Director of Non-Sovereign Operations and Private Sector, Fall’s leadership is anticipated to drive transformative change and create a lasting impact on Africa’s economic landscape.
