Makhtar Diop is the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. He is responsible for advancing economic opportunity in emerging and developing markets through private sector development. His priorities include tackling climate change and food insecurity, creating opportunities for women, and connecting emerging markets with the digital economy. A collaborative and creative leader, Mr. Diop strives to bring new and diverse voices into the global development conversation. A prime example is Creative Development, a podcast he created and hosts that explores how economic development influences—and is influenced by—creative industries. Mr. Diop has served in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors throughout his distinguished career, giving him unique insights into global development from every side of the table. An economist by training, he started his career in the banking industry before joining the International Monetary Fund. He also served as Minister of Economy and Finance for his home country of Senegal. He joined the World Bank Group in 2001, where he held various positions, most recently as Vice President for Infrastructure and Vice President for Africa. A recognized thought leader in the economics and social development fields, Mr. Diop has been named one of the 100 most influential Africans in the world.
