The World Bank has appointed Dr. Victoria Kwakwa as Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa.
The Ghanaian economist has over 30 years of experience, and lead the World Bank engagement with over 26 countries.
Dr. Victoria Kwakwa holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and statistics from the University of Ghana, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in economics from Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada.
The Ghanaian economist oversees a portfolio of 313 operations totaling $58billion and an extensive program of analytic work, technical assistance, and policy advice.
One of her duties as a vice president is to provide support to countries that are facing multifaceted challenges including the COVID-19 crisis, climate shocks, food- and energy-fueled inflation, and rising debt.
Dr. Kwakwa will promote private-sector jobs, economic transformation, human capital, agricultural productivity, infrastructure access, gender equality and reduce conflict drivers.
She is a development expert who served as the Vice president for Corporate Strategic Initiatives and later as vice president for East Asia Pacific from April 2016 to August 2021.
Kwakwa led the World Bank economic team in Nigeria between 2001 and 2006 and was Country Manager for Rwanda from 2007 to 2009.