The International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World bank has appointed Ivorian Nathalie Kouassi Akon as its Division Director for West Africa Gulf of Guinea.
“We’re pleased to announce Nathalie Kouassi Akon as @IFC_org’s new Division Director for #WestAfrica Gulf of Guinea, based in #Accra. She will lead efforts to support the #PrivateSector, boost #job creation & advance inclusive growth across the region. Congratulations, Nathalie!” The organization announced.
About Nathalie Kouassi Akon
Ivorian-American Nathalie Kouassi Akon currently serves as the Director of Gender and Economic Inclusion at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). It is a member of the World Bank Group.
Appointed to the role in 2023, she oversees global strategies and programs that promote inclusive economic growth. Her focus is on gender equality, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, agrifood systems, and climate-smart development.
With over two decades of experience spanning finance, development, and impact investment, Nathalie has become one of Africa’s most influential voices. She is instrumental in advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive private sector growth.
Before joining the IFC, she held senior leadership roles at the Mastercard Foundation. There, she led the organization’s Pan-African platform. This platform aimed at scaling youth employment and enterprise opportunities across the continent.
She was also Partner and Managing Director for Africa at Equator Capital Partners, an impact investment fund manager. Here, she played a crucial role in expanding access to finance for small and medium enterprises. Beyond her executive roles.
She has served as an independent director on major African banking boards. She also chaired the Investment Committee of the African Development Bank’s Private Sector Facility, contributing to sustainable investment frameworks. These frameworks prioritize inclusion and growth.
Education
A graduate of the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP) in France, she holds a Master’s degree in Management with a specialization in Strategy and a minor in Finance.
She was listed among the 100 Most Influential African Women by Advance Media in 2022.
