IMF Appoints Zeine Zeidane as Africa Director, Succeeding Ethiopia’s Abebe Aemro Selassie

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced the appointment of Zeine Zeidane as Director of its African Department, effective May 1, 2026. He will succeed Abebe Aemro Selassie of Ethiopia, who is set to retire after leading the department since 2016.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Zeidane brings extensive institutional knowledge and policy experience at a time when sub-Saharan African countries are seeking tailored policy support, financing, and capacity development.

Leadership Transition in the IMF’s African Department

Abebe Aemro Selassie has led the African Department for nearly a decade, overseeing the IMF’s engagement in major economic reform programs across the continent, including Ethiopia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. During his tenure, the department navigated multiple global shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and sovereign debt challenges affecting several African economies.

Zeidane currently serves as Deputy Director in the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department. With over 20 years of experience in macroeconomic policy, he previously served as Prime Minister of Mauritania, Governor of the Central Bank, and Economic Advisor to the President.

He has also worked at the World Bank and in commercial banking, and holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Nice.

Role in Policy Development and Regional Engagement

Earlier in his career at the IMF, Zeidane served as Deputy Director in the African Department, contributing to policy reforms in concessional lending and pandemic-related financial support initiatives, including the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT).

The IMF’s African Department manages relationships with 45 sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, which is currently implementing a four-year Extended Credit Facility program to restore macroeconomic stability and support structural reforms.

The department has also been actively involved in debt restructuring negotiations under the G20 Common Framework and in designing climate financing instruments for vulnerable economies.

Georgieva noted that Zeidane’s leadership approach and experience position him well to guide the department as African economies navigate complex macroeconomic challenges and pursue sustainable growth.