BRAZILIAN national, Eneida Fernandes who takes over as the new World Bank (WB) Country Manager for Zimbabwe says she will assume a leading role in programs and engagements skewed towards expediting debt resolution efforts.
In an update this week, the WB announced that Ms Eneida Fernandes has officially begun her assignment in Zimbabwe as the new World Bank Country Manager.
“In her new position, Ms. Fernandes’ priorities will be to effectively lead the Bank’s operational programs and engagement in the arrears clearance and debt resolution efforts, sustain and grow a constructive dialogue with the government, and work alongside key stakeholders and partners to coordinate action and catalyze change,” the global financier said.
The World Bank country portfolio includes the Zimbabwe Health Sector Development Support Project and Zimbabwe COVID-19 Emergency Response Project. The portfolio also includes some advisory programs from the International Finance Corporation, namely the Zimbabwe Destination Development Program.
Other sectors in the portfolio are social protection, energy, water, climate, governance, agriculture, and poverty monitoring. A new country engagement note is also under preparation and will focus on strengthening macroeconomic stability, promoting effective and transparent governance, and building resilience.
In her acceptance remarks, Fernandes expressed excitement over the new role and said she is looking forward to deepening the bank’s engagement in the country.
“Through knowledge, financing, and partnerships, we will continue to work with the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders in line with our mission of creating a world free of poverty on a liveable planet,” she said.
Fernandes joined the Bank in 2008 and has since held various positions, with her most recent assignment being Resident Representative for Cabo Verde.
She has more than 20 years of experience in development, spanning operations and management in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. – NewZim
