The African Development Bank Group has announced the appointment of Léandre Bassolé as Director General of the Regional Office for Development, Integration, and Business Delivery for Central Africa and Head of the Country Office for Cameroon, effective 1 May 2025.
A citizen of Burkina Faso, Bassolé is a seasoned specialist in economic development with over 19 years of experience as a senior executive in multilateral development institutions. During his career, he has led national and regional strategies, engaged in high-level policy debates, managed the implementation of complex projects, and implemented initiatives on economic transformation in Africa.
A skilled diplomat and trusted adviser, Bassolé has demonstrated an exceptional capacity for establishing and maintaining high-level partnerships with public authorities, development partners, the private sector, and civil society.
Before his appointment, Bassolé was Deputy Director General at the Bank Group Office for East Africa, where he co-managed a regional portfolio of $13 billion, covering 13 countries. He oversaw operational efficiency, regional integration initiatives, and private-sector partnerships. During his tenure, he played a key role in positioning the Bank as a key partner in major infrastructure investments. Notably, he initiated and secured the African Development Bank Group's contribution of $7.8 billion to the new Ethiopian Airlines airport city project, one of the largest airport infrastructure projects in Africa.
Simultaneously, Bassolé served as head of the Country Office for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and the Comoros, reinforcing the Bank's operational presence while accelerating project implementation and improving development impact in key sectors.
Previously, Bassolé led the African Development Bank's Country Office in Guinea (2017-2024), where he effectively managed complex political dynamics, fostered institutional trust, and significantly expanded the Bank's portfolio from $240 million in 2017 to over $728 million in 2023. Under his leadership, the Bank became a trusted partner in Guinea, supporting key reforms in national resource mobilization, project implementation, infrastructure investment, and private-sector development.
Bassolé began his career at the African Development Bank as a young professional (2009-2012). He then served as a senior macroeconomist (2012-2017), overseeing seven African countries (Cabo Verde, Comoros, Mali, Burundi, Madagascar, Senegal, and Rwanda). In this role, he played a pivotal role in designing innovative financing solutions, including the combination of loan and partial credit guarantee instruments for African Development Fund beneficiary countries (e.g., Madagascar in 2016).
Before joining the African Development Bank, Bassolé worked as a researcher and specialist in development impact at institutions such as the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the World Bank Group, where he was part of the central team that contributed to the World Development Report 2008, focusing on agriculture for development.
"I am deeply honoured by this appointment and profoundly grateful to President Akinwumi Adesina for the trust he has placed in me," stated Bassolé. "I accept the responsibility of leading the Bank's activities in Central Africa with humility and unwavering commitment. I am inspired by the region's immense potential and the resilience of its people. I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors, senior management, national authorities, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and all other stakeholders to seize opportunities, accelerate economic transformation, and achieve sustainable results. Together, we will advance a bold vision for inclusive and sustainable development in Central Africa," he emphasized.
"I am delighted to appoint Léandre Bassolé as Director General of the Regional Office for Development, Integration, and Business Delivery for Central Africa and Head of the Country Office for Cameroon," said President Akinwumi Adesina.
"Léandre is a seasoned economist and a respected professional, whose comprehensive understanding of the African development landscape, proven operational excellence, and diplomatic skills will be invaluable to the Bank and the countries we serve. His extensive experience in implementing transformation programs, establishing strategic partnerships, and achieving impactful results across diverse contexts will be critical in fulfilling this essential role. I am confident that under his leadership, the Bank will strengthen its impact in Central Africa, foster regional integration, develop private-sector opportunities, and drive inclusive, resilient growth for the region's people."
Bassolé holds a PhD and a Research Master's in Development Economics, a Vocational Master's in Project Analysis and Evaluation, and a degree in Economics, all awarded by Clermont Auvergne University (CERDI) in France. He has also completed training courses in strategic frameworks, organizational leadership, and principles of leadership at Harvard Business School, as well as leadership programs at Wharton Business School and Berkeley Haas.
