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April 1, 2025 — Ethiopis Tafara has officially assumed his new position as Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group. In his new role, Tafara will oversee IFC’s investment and advisory portfolio across Africa, with a focus on accelerating private sector participation in development and fostering inclusive economic growth across the continent.
A native of Addis Ababa, Tafara brings over three decades of experience in international finance, legal governance, and risk management. Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice President and Chief Finance, Risk, Legal, and Sustainability Officer at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), where he led several departments responsible for financial oversight, legal strategy, environmental standards, and risk assessment. During his time at MIGA, he was instrumental in introducing innovative financial tools and strengthening global risk coverage frameworks.
Tafara previously held the role of Vice President and General Counsel at IFC, where he spearheaded reforms in corporate governance and helped shape the institution’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda. Earlier in his career, he served at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he directed the Office of International Affairs and played a key role in shaping global financial regulatory cooperation.
In his new capacity, Tafara is expected to lead the expansion of IFC’s private sector initiatives across Africa, targeting high-impact investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, digital technology, and climate resilience. His appointment comes at a critical time as African nations seek innovative solutions to attract capital, create jobs, and respond to pressing development challenges.
With a strong legal background and deep ties to both Africa and the global finance community, Tafara is widely recognized as a strategic leader capable of bridging regulatory, legal, and investment frameworks to foster long-term development. His leadership is anticipated to strengthen the World Bank Group’s presence in Africa and enhance collaboration with governments, businesses, and financial institutions across the region.
