ABUJA, September 21, 2015 – The World Bank has appointed Rachid Benmessaoud as the new Country Director for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Coordinating Director for West Africa Regional Integration Program.
Rachid Benmessaoud joined the World Bank in 1990 as an Energy Planner in the then Europe, Middle East and North Africa Vice-Presidency. He takes over from Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly whose tenure ended in July 2015.
Benmessaoud, a Moroccan National, has held various positions in the Bank, including Lead Energy Specialist, Operations Advisor for India with his most recent assignment as Country Director for Pakistan.
The new Director will lead the Country Program and Team in continuing to improve the impact of the World Bank's portfolio in Nigeria and to support the Government's development priorities including power, education, quality of public spending, trade and regional integration.
He has worked on energy, infrastructure, and municipal finance projects in North Africa, Central Europe and South Asia.
Benmessaoud who is an Electrical Engineer, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Unites States and a Doctorate-Engineering Degree from France.
His appointment as Country Director for Nigeria is effective October 1, 2015.
