exit interview

‘The development challenge is getting harder, not easier’, David Malpass, World Bank president

in depth

This article is part of the dossier:

Cash-strapped Africa…

By Aurélie M’Bida

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on April 4, 2023 08:59

World Bank President David Malpass meets with Rabiou Abdou, Niger’s Minister of Planning (back), in Niamey, March 30, 2023.

In an exclusive interview on a trip to West Africa, the outgoing president of the World Bank, David Malpass, sets out his vision of development. Malpass’s tenure ends a year ahead of schedule, after comments sceptical of climate change triggered an outpouring of anger.

One final curtain call. David Malpass will be attending the 10 April Spring Meetings of the World Bank/IMF for the last time as president of the World Bank Group. The gathering sets the tone for the two most powerful international donors; and it will certainly be abuzz.

His early exit won’t disappoint the critics: Malpass arrived at the Bank as a Trump appointee who was openly hostile to the Bank’s lending programmes to China, for example. In 2022, he was criticised by Al Gore, the former Vice President of the US, who accused him of being a ‘climate denialist’. After having poorly defended himself, he announced he was leaving the Bank. Bretton Woods insiders believe this was one of the principal reasons behind his departure.

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime