Zeine Zeidane has been appointed Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. This appointment places an experienced economist at the helm of a key department for the Bretton Woods institution.

Currently Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, Zeidane oversaw the opening of the IMF’s regional office in Riyadh in 2024 and monitored relations with the Gulf economies.

Prior to this position, he headed the African Department as Deputy Director, managing complex issues related to concessional loans and debt relief mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Mauritania, he has held several high-level positions, including Prime Minister, Governor of the Central Bank, and Economic Advisor to the President.

Holding a doctorate in applied mathematics from the University of Nice, Zeidane will take up his duties on May 1, 2026. His appointment comes at a time when sub-Saharan Africa is facing major economic challenges, confirming the importance of the continent in the dialogue with the IMF on debt, growth and structural reforms.