Désiré Jean-Marie Vencatachellum has been appointed Senior Director of the Country Economies Department by the African Development Bank (AfDB). He will take office on November ¹, 2023.

The Mauritian Vencatachellum has over thirty years of experience in providing strategic leadership on economic and financial development issues, particularly in Africa. He joined the African Development Bank Group in 2005 as a senior research economist and has held senior positions since 2011, including as Director of Research (2011-2012), Director of Operational Policies (2012-2013), and Director of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department from 2013 until the date of the present appointment

After his appointment, the new senior director of the Department of Country Economies declared his gratitude in his words: “I want to thank Mr. [Akinwumi] Adesina for appointing me to this position. I see this as an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the position of Africa's leading development finance institution as a provider of knowledge-based solutions for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa. I look forward to working with senior management, talented and dedicated colleagues, and all stakeholders to help implement the President's inspiring vision for the Bank and for Africa