Cyndo Obre has just been appointed as the new representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC/World Bank) for Benin, announces a statement from the financial institution.

An Ivorian national, Mr. Obre holds a Master's degree in International and Corporate Finance from the Institut Supérieur du Commerce in Paris.

As Country Manager, he will work closely with IFC's regional representation based in Accra, Ghana, with the World Bank and MIGA teams.

It will coordinate the scaling up of IFC interventions in Benin, particularly in key sectors such as access to finance for SMEs, infrastructure and value chains in the agricultural sector.

In Benin, the new director's most immediate priority will be the implementation of the IFC's COVID-19 response, the statement said.

With a strong background in structuring investment projects and IPP project development, Mr. Obre also has transaction expertise spanning a wide range of sectors, including industry, agribusiness, financial institutions, healthcare, real estate, telecommunications and infrastructure.

The IFC has been active in Benin since 1999, particularly in the financing of SMEs, tourism and water.

From 2009 to date, the IFC, whose advisory services provide technical assistance to Benin in the area of improving the business environment, has invested more than $300 million in the country.