Makhtar Diop

Makhtar Sop Diop (born June 1960 in Dakar) is a Senegalese economist and politician who has been serving as the managing director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) since 2021, making him the first African to hold the position. Diop earlier served as Minister of Finance and Economy in the second government of Moustapha Niasse, under President Abdoulaye Wade. He joined the World Bank in 2001 and served as vice president for Africa between 2012 and 2018 and as vice president for Infrastructure from 2018 to 2021. On March 1, 2021, Diop was named managing director and Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation, a sister organization of the World Bank. Early life and education Diop completed his postgraduate studies in economics at the University of Warwick and the University of Nottingham (UK), in Macroeconomics and Econometrics. He also earned a master's degree in finance in Paris, France. In June 2023, Mr. Diop received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa. Career Early career Diop began his career as a financial analyst and authorized agent for the Union of Senegalese Banks (USB), in Dakar.