Makhtar Diop

Kemi Ajumobi

March 3, 2026

Makhtar Diop
MD of the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

I was going through my LinkedIn feed like I often do and saw him interviewing his guest virtually. He caught my attention. I admire leaders who, despite their dignified position enjoy doing something extra that inspires, and he was having an interview he obviously was enjoying. I speak of Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the largest development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and developing economies.

It was in celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth and he was in conversation with jazz icon Wynton Marsalis — a nine-time Grammy Award winner, Pulitzer Prize honoree, educator, and UN Messenger of Peace — on the Creative Development podcast. A beautiful conversation they had. I love the depth of their discussion, the way he exuded a grace that spoke volumes. The way he expressed himself, though a seasoned economist, there was cordiality in his attitude that showed he was enjoying the dialog while frankly curious to hear and learn from his guest.  Makhtar said “Wynton reminds us that culture is not ornamental—it is foundational. Jazz, like development, is built on discipline, respect for tradition, education, and community. It carries history forward while creating space for innovation.”

He adds “From the jazz clubs of New Orleans to stages across Africa and beyond, Wynton’s journey embodies the enduring power of Black artistry.”

Talk about imprinting your mark of greatness in the organisation you lead and Makhtar comes to mind. His tenure as the Managing Director at IFC has been marked by a strategic focus on creating sustainable, inclusive growth that addresses global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

A distinguished leader both in the economic and social development field, Makhtar Diop was named among 100 most influential Africans in the world and also received the prestigious Regents’ Lectureship Award from the University of California, Berkeley.

Interestingly, his leadership and direction at the IFC has ensured that financial and economic inclusion is taken seriously with evidence seen in how he supports the need for women’s access to funding even in rural communities. Hence the reason we celebrate him on IWA’s first edition in the month of March as a HeForShe in words and deeds.