The World Bank on Friday announced the appointment of Cyndo Obre as the new International Finance Corporation (IFC) representative in Benin.
A national of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr Obre holds a Master’s degree in International Finance and Business from the Institut Supérieur du Commerce de Paris.
As country manager, he will work closely with IFC’s regional representation based in Accra, Ghana, and with the World Bank and MIGA teams.
He will coordinate the increase of IFC’s interventions in Benin, particularly in key sectors such as access to finance for SMEs, infrastructure and value chains in the agricultural sector.
In Benin, the new director’s most immediate priority will be the implementation of IFC’s COVID-19 response, according to an official statement.
With a strong background in investment project structuring and IPP project development, Mr Obre also has transaction expertise covering a wide range of sectors, including industry, agribusiness, financial institutions, health, real estate, telecommunications and infrastructure.
IFC has been active in Benin since 1999, particularly in the financing of SMEs, tourism and water.
From 2009 to date, IFC has invested more than US$300 million in the country.
