Ajay Banga to visit Nigeria

The President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, is scheduled to visit Nigeria this week as part of a global tour aimed at strengthening the bank’s relationships with partner countries around the world.

According to a statement from the bank, Mr. Banga’s three-day visit to Nigeria will commence on 3rd August and represents a crucial step in formulating a new strategy for the 78-year-old institution.

During his time in Nigeria, the focus of Mr. Banga’s visit will be on identifying opportunities to create employment prospects for young people and women. He will also address the country’s energy needs, particularly in the context of renewable energy, and explore the potential of digitisation.

The statement highlighted specific activities that Mr. Banga will be involved in, including visiting a World Bank-financed mini-grid power plant that provides solar energy to an entire community. Additionally, he will meet with a woman-owned business that has successfully generated over 1,500 service-sector jobs for young Nigerians.

As part of his itinerary, Mr. Banga is scheduled to hold meetings with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Moreover, the World Bank will facilitate discussions with representatives from the private sector and civil society.

This visit follows Mr. Banga’s recent two-day trip to Ethiopia and is part of his broader tour that has already included stops in Peru, Jamaica, and India.

Ajay Banga assumed the presidency of the World Bank in May, after being selected by the bank’s executive directors for a five-year term. Prior to leading the World Bank, Mr. Banga served as the President and CEO of Mastercard, a global organisation with nearly 24,000 employees, and also held the position of honorary chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce between 2020 and 2022.