Makhtar Diop, Regents’ Lecturer

On March 31, Makhtar will give a public lecture titled “Policymaking in Africa: Reflections from Decades of Experience”.

Makhtar Diop has served as the World Bank’s Vice President for Africa since May 2012. Under his leadership, the World Bank Group committed a record-breaking $15.3 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa in FY2014 to help tackle development challenges such as food security and agricultural productivity; access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; economic opportunities for the continent’s growing “youth bulge”; and responding quickly and effectively to emergency situations such as the recent Ebola epidemic.

A champion for higher education, particularly in science and technology, Makhtar Diop has been instrumental in mobilizing support for 19 university-based centers of excellence, which will equip young Africans with the skills needed to sustain Africa’s decade of economic growth. A passionate advocate for Africa’s right to clean and affordable sources of electricity, he has called for a green energy revolution to power African homes and businesses, as well as greater investment to exploit Africa’s vast resources in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal. As Africa bears the brunt of the impacts of climate change, Diop also advocates increased focus on climate-smart agriculture. In 2014, Jeune Afrique named him “one of the 50 most influential Africans.”