World Bank Appoints Firas Raad to Lead US$14.1 Billion Portfolio Across Four African Countries
The World Bank Group has appointed Firas Raad as Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, effective 1 May 2026.
Dr Raad, a Jordanian national, brings nearly three decades of experience in development and health policy, having worked with the World Bank, the United Nations and the Government of Jordan.
He most recently served as World Bank Country Manager for Malawi and has previously held similar roles in South Sudan, Malaysia and Kuwait. His career also includes serving as Head of Mission for the Office of the Quartet Representative in East Jerusalem, as well as Human Development Coordinator for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Senior Health Specialist in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Raad will oversee a World Bank-supported portfolio valued at approximately US$14.1 billion across the four countries. The portfolio covers key sectors including infrastructure, human capital development, private sector growth, climate resilience and gender equality.
He replaces Nathan Belete, who has been appointed Regional Programmes Director for Africa.
Dr Raad holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in international health policy and economics from the Harvard School of Public Health, as well as a master’s degree in international relations from the School of Advanced International Studies and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University. He is fluent in both Arabic and English.
The appointment comes as the World Bank continues to expand its support to African countries through its lending arm, the International Development Association, which provides grants and low to zero-interest loans to low-income nations.
