New World Bank Director for S/Leone, Ghana & Liberia

According to the release, prior to joining the WB, Laporte held several key positions in the Seychelles government, including Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles, and later Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment. 

Laporte is also a former International Monetary Fund Economist and Fund Resident Representative. He previously worked in the private sector as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SACOS Insurance Group in Seychelles.

In his new position, Laporte’s top three priorities will be to lead the Bank’s strategic dialogue with Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and support the implementation of the World Bank’s Africa Region’s priorities, deepen the policy dialogue and partnership with governments and key stakeholders, and oversee the delivery and implementation of the lending and non-lending portfolio. 

Laporte holds a Masters’ Degree in Economics (with distinction) from the University of Sheffield (UK) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics with computing from the University of Surrey (UK). He is also a holder of several awards. In 1998, he received the Midland Bank Award for Outstanding Performer in the Economics, Money, Banking and Finance programs of the University of Sheffield (1998). He received the 2013 Southern African Finance Minister of the Year award by the African Leadership Magazine and a Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Contribution and Service to Humanity by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus in 2014. He is married with two children.