Zeine Zeidane: A Mauritanian at the Head of the IMF Africa Department

On April 3, 2026, the IMF appointed Zeine Zeidane as the director of the Africa department, succeeding Abebe Aemro Selassie. Zeidane, a Mauritanian economist, was previously the deputy director of the Middle East and Central Asia department. He holds a PhD in applied mathematics and has held various positions, including governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania and Prime Minister. The handover is scheduled for May 1, 2026.