The World Bank Group named Mr. Gael Raballand as the new Country Manager for Tajikistan effective on December 1.
Press release issued by the World Bank says he will lead the programs of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) /International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA in Tajikistan, providing a single point of contact for access to the full breadth of World Bank Group products and services.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of Country Manager for Tajikistan and to lead the World Bank Group’s efforts in supporting the country’s development journey,” said Mr. Raballand. “Our focus will be on fostering economic growth, strengthening the private sector, and creating more and better jobs, as a key driver of sustainable development. I indeed look forward to maintaining and deepening our partnership with Tajikistan.”
A French national, Mr. Raballand joined the World Bank Group in 2003 as a Young Professional. Before his appointment as Country Manager, he served as Practice Manager for Governance in West Africa based in Dakar, Senegal.
Mr. Raballand has held several other positions at the World Bank, including Senior Transport Economist in the Africa Transport Unit, Senior Public Sector Specialist in the Middle East and North Africa region, and Lead Public Sector Specialist in the Africa region, based in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Sorbonne University, as well as degrees in Political Science and International Public Law. Mr. Raballand has co-authored numerous World Bank publications and academic papers on trade, transport, and customs issues.
The World Bank Group portfolio in Tajikistan includes 26 projects financed by IDA totaling $2 billion, including investments in agriculture, digital connectivity, disaster risk management, education, energy, health, social protection, transport, water, as well as institutional capacity building of tax, finance, and statistics bodies. It also includes $70 million in financing from IFC for seven private sector clients in the agriculture, financial institutions, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
