Who is Zinedine Zidane, the new director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund?

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, announced her intention to appoint Zain Zaidan as Director of the African Department, succeeding Abebe Amro Selassie, whose retirement date from the Fund is May 1, 2026.

In this regard, Georgieva said: I informed the Executive Board of my intention to appoint Zain Zaidan as Director of the African Department.

Zain possesses deep institutional knowledge, sound judgment, and strong policymaking experience, which will support the African administration's efforts to meet the growing demand for policy advice, financing, and capacity development in sub-Saharan Africa that is tailored to the region's needs.

In a statement, Georgieva added: “Zain possesses a balanced and thoughtful approach that has demonstrated remarkable competence in addressing difficult and sensitive challenges. I am confident in his ability to successfully lead the African Department, uniting efforts to support its mission and serve member countries.”.

Who is Zinedine Zidane?

Zidane is a Mauritanian national with over twenty years of experience in macroeconomic policymaking and international economic cooperation. He holds a PhD in applied mathematics and a postgraduate degree in macroeconomics from the University of Nice, according to data available on the International Monetary Fund website.

Zidan currently serves as Deputy Director in the Middle East and Central Asia Department, where he oversees the Fund’s activities in key Gulf economies and contributes to deepening strategic partnerships with key regional partners, including through the establishment of the IMF’s regional office in Riyadh in 2024.

Prior to his current role, Zidan served as Deputy Director in the African Department, where he was closely involved in some of the region’s most important and complex arrangements. He played a key role in shaping the policies needed to strengthen the Fund’s capacity to meet the needs of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly through reforming concessional lending policies and establishing the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust Fund and debt relief during the pandemic.

Zidane played a leading role in shaping the 2018 governance policy during his work in the Strategy, Policy and Audit Department, leveraging his ability to link country experiences to institutional priorities.

Zidane's role in economic policymaking

Prior to joining the IMF in 2012, Zeidane held several of Mauritania’s most senior economic policymaking positions, including Prime Minister, Governor of the Central Bank, and Economic Advisor to the President. His extensive experience also includes roles at the World Bank and in the commercial banking sector, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of policy design, implementation, and collaboration with international partners.