Who is Francisca Ayodeji? World Bank Appoints New Country Manager for Uganda

World Bank announced the appointment of Francisca Ayodeji Akala, a respected Nigerian health expert, as the new Country Manager for Uganda. Based in Kampala, she will oversee a $4.5 billion portfolio that includes 18 active development projects. These projects focus on key areas such as health, energy access, refugee support, education, and agriculture. She replaces Mukami Kariuki, who completed her four-year term in the position.

Francisca Ayodeji, often known as Ayo, brings over 25 years of experience in public health and development work. She has built a career focused on improving healthcare systems, especially in underserved regions. Her experience includes working on challenges like HIV/AIDS, malaria, immunization, child malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases. She has managed programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, including fragile and conflict-affected areas. Her strong understanding of both on-the-ground work and policy development makes her a powerful voice in development circles.

Before taking on this new role, Ayo held several leadership positions within the World Bank. She served as Practice Manager for Health, Nutrition, and Population, where she supervised health programs in 13 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa. She also worked as a Public Health Specialist in the Middle East and North Africa, and as a Senior Health Specialist in Western and Central Africa, and South Asia. She was a key member of the World Bank’s Human Capital Project, a global initiative that supports countries in investing in health, education, and skills development.

Ayo’s academic background is equally impressive. She earned her medical degree from the University of Ibadan, followed by a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Lagos. Later, she earned another Master’s in Health Services Management from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. These academic achievements reflect her lifelong dedication to public service and human development.

As Country Manager, Ayo will lead the design and implementation of the World Bank’s evolving support for Uganda. She will work closely with the government and other partners to make sure that the World Bank’s support is aligned with Uganda’s development goals. Her focus will be on fostering faster, more inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, supporting refugees and vulnerable communities, and helping Uganda recover from the challenges caused by climate change and global inflation.

In addition to her technical skills, Ayo is known for her leadership style, which emphasizes inclusion, gender equality, and support for young people. She has championed programs that improve outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. Her appointment is seen as a major step forward in promoting African leadership in international development.

Under her guidance, the World Bank’s presence in Uganda is expected to grow stronger. Her appointment comes at a time when Uganda is working to recover from both internal and external economic pressures. Her deep knowledge of health systems, her global experience, and her collaborative leadership approach will play a key role in shaping Uganda’s development journey in the years to come.