Zeine Zeidane

Director of the African Department

Zeine Zeidane is the Director of the African Department, where he oversees the IMF’s operations and engagement with 45 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr. Zeidane works closely with the region’s leaders to strengthen macroeconomic policies in the region and support Africa in reaching its full potential.

He assumed his current role in 2026, bringing more than two decades of experience in macroeconomic policymaking and international economic cooperation. His career combines senior leadership roles in his home country with a distinguished career at the IMF, where he held various positions, including Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department and the African Department, Assistant Director in the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, and Mission Chief for the United Arab Emirates and Algeria.

Before joining the Fund in 2012, Mr. Zeidane served as Mauritania’s Prime Minister in 2007‑08. In Mauritania, he also held senior roles as the Governor of the Central Bank and Economic Advisor to the President. His extensive background includes working with the World Bank and the banking sector.

Mr. Zeidane holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics and a Post- Graduate Degree in Macroeconomics from University of Nice, France.

Last Updated: May 4, 2026