International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has announced plans to appoint Zeine Zeidane as Director of the African Department, succeeding Abebe Aemro Selassie, who will retire on May 1, 2026.
Mr. Zeidane, a Mauritanian national, brings over 20 years of experience in macroeconomic policy and international cooperation.
He currently serves as Deputy Director in the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department and previously held a similar role in the African Department.
Before joining the IMF in 2012, he served as Prime Minister, Central Bank Governor, and Economic Advisor in Mauritania, and also worked with the World Bank and in commercial banking.
Ms. Georgieva highlighted his strong policy expertise and leadership, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the department effectively.
“I have informed the Executive Board of my intention to appoint Mr. Zeine Zeidane as the Director of the African Department, Zeine will bring deep institutional knowledge, sound judgment, and strong policymaking experience to the department as it continues to respond to sub-Saharan Africa’s growing demands for tailored policy advice, financing, and capacity development. Zeine’s calm and measured approach has proven especially effective in addressing difficult and sensitive challenges,I am confident that he will successfully lead AFR with a shared sense of purpose in advancing its mandate and serving our membership.” She stated
Mr. Zeidane holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics and a postgraduate degree in Macroeconomics from the University of Nice.
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