Finance Leadership In Africa: Cameroonian Banker Takes Key IFC Role

C ameroonian Claude Owona Ekoto, has taken over as head of the Inter­ national Finance Corpora­ tion (IFC) for Central and Anglo­ phone West Africa. Appointed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the fi­ nance expert succeeds Dahlia Khalifa, who previously covered the region. Until 2023, Owona Ekoto served as IFC Manager for Financial Ins­ titutions in West Africa, where she led partnerships to expand SME lending, including an over FCFA 22,78 billion risk-sharing facility with Bridge Bank Group to support women-owned busi­ nesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Sene­ gal. Her appointment comes as IFC ramps up support in the region, from multiple billions invested in Central Africa and Nigeria as of 2022, to recent deals boosting manufacturing, trade finance, and digital connectivity. Analysts say Owona Ekoto’s mandate will be key to unlocking private capital for infrastructure, agribusiness, and financial inclusion in over countries. Her office will focus on mobilizing private investment to create jobs, support Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), and drive inclusive growth in emerging markets operations...