Cyndo Obre has just been appointed the new representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFF/World Bank) for Benin, announces a press release from the financial institution.

An Ivorian national, Mr. Obre holds a Master's degree in International and Business Finance from the Institut Supérieur du Commerce de Paris.

As country manager, he will work closely with the IFC regional representation based in Accra (Ghana), with the World Bank and MIGA teams.

He will coordinate the increase of IFC interventions in Benin, especially in key sectors such as access to finance for SMEs, infrastructure and value chains in the agricultural sector.

In Benin, the new director's most immediate priority will be the implementation of the SFI COVID-19 response, the statement said.

With a strong background in structuring investment projects and developing IPP projects, Mr. Obre also has transaction expertise spanning a wide range of sectors, including industry, agribusiness, financial institutions, healthcare, real estate, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

The SFI has been working in Benin since 1999, particularly in financing SMEs, tourism and water.

From 2009 to date, IFC, whose advisory services provide technical assistance to Benin in the area of improving the business environment, has invested more than $300 million in that country.