Leila Farah Mokaddem is the Director General for Southern Africa at the African Development Bank, where she leads the institution’s operations, partnerships, and strategic engagement across multiple countries in the region. As a seasoned development finance expert with over 25 years of experience, Leila Farah Mokaddem has played a pivotal role in shaping investment frameworks, strengthening financial systems, and advancing sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Leila Farah Mokaddem’s journey is anchored in a strong academic and policy foundation. She holds a diploma in Finance from the Institut des Hautes Études Commerciales in Carthage and a Master’s degree in International Trade from the Institut Supérieur de Gestion in Tunisia. Her early career began at Tunisia’s Ministry of Economy, where she led export policy and strategy before transitioning to international finance roles, including serving as a fiscal advisor at the International Monetary Fund.
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Since joining the African Development Bank in 2002, Leila Farah Mokaddem has held several high impact leadership roles across the continent. She served as Resident Representative in Egypt and Morocco, as well as Regional Representative in Senegal, where she led strategic engagements with governments and private sector stakeholders. She also headed the Financial Institutions Division, where she designed key initiatives such as the African SME Guarantee Fund, the Trade Finance Initiative, and the Women in Business program, all aimed at expanding access to finance and strengthening private sector growth.
At the core of her leadership is large scale financial structuring and investment execution. Leila Farah Mokaddem has managed multi billion dollar portfolios across more than 35 African countries, supporting infrastructure, financial services, and private sector development. She has also served on the boards of institutions such as the West African Development Bank and Advans Holding, and currently serves as an alternate board member of Afreximbank, reflecting her influence across continental financial systems.
Leila Farah Mokaddem’s impact extends beyond finance into policy and inclusion. She has been a strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment, helping design financing tools that support female entrepreneurs and promote gender inclusive growth. Her leadership continues to shape how development finance institutions address inequality, access, and long term sustainability across Africa.
Looking ahead, Leila Farah Mokaddem remains focused on strengthening Africa’s economic resilience through strategic investments, regional integration, and innovative financing solutions. Her vision is centered on building inclusive economies, unlocking private sector potential, and driving sustainable development at scale. Through experience, influence, and a commitment to impact, she continues to shape the future of development finance in Africa.
