International financial institution the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that IMF African department (AFR) director Abebe (Abe) Aemro Selassie intends to retire on May 1.

“As AFR director since 2016, Abe has guided the department through a period of profound change and challenge,” says IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva.

“He oversaw the fund’s engagement with 45 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, responding to surging programme, demand while adapting to the region’s evolving needs during a historically challenging time, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing period of high inflation to major shifts in global trade policies.

“Under his leadership, the AFR helped reinforce the fund’s role as a trusted partner to our African members. During his tenure, the fund also added a twenty-fifth chair to its executive board, increasing the voice of sub-Saharan Africa,” she says.

Selassie championed tailored policy advice and capacity development for sub-Saharan Africa, deepened engagement in key countries and helped roll out additional resources to support fragile and conflict-affected States.

He also modernised the AFR’s operations, strengthened collaboration across departments on critical issues such as debt resolution, poverty reduction and growth trust financing, and resilience to shocks, and helped steer the evolving capacity development delivery to the region. His strategic vision and gift for diplomacy have left an enduring mark on the fund, she adds.

“The legacy he leaves on the fund’s work in Africa is one of alignment with the aspirations of people, especially the youth, for good governance, strong economies and lasting prosperity. His trusted advice has been invaluable to me personally, and his leadership has strengthened our mission,” Georgieva says.

A national of Ethiopia, Selassie first joined the IMF in 1994. During his 32-year career, he held senior positions including deputy director in AFR, mission chief for Portugal and South Africa, division chief of the Regional Studies division and senior resident representative in Uganda.

Earlier, he contributed to programmes in Türkiye, Thailand, Romania and Estonia, and worked on policy, operational review and economic research, the IMF says.