KENYA – IFC, the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, has appointed Henrik Elschner Pedersen as its new Regional Industry Director in Africa for Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services, effective July 1.

Pedersen, a Danish national, most recently served as IFC’s Senior Manager for the Consumer and Social Services sectors in Asia Pacific, and Agribusiness and Forestry sectors in East Asia, where he led the growth of IFC’s business and impact.

During his time at IFC, he has worked across numerous sectors and regions, including Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, Washington DC and Hong Kong SAR, China.

He brings more than 30 years of global investment and development expertise to his new role, tasked with driving IFC’s strategy to support private sector growth, job creation, and opportunity in Africa.

To be based in Nairobi, Kenya, Pedersen will lead IFC’s investment and advisory teams focused on supporting more sustainable and resilient manufacturing, agribusiness and services delivery, which includes health, housing, tourism, and education.

“I welcome Henrik to his new role and know his leadership qualities and deep experience across health, food, housing, manufacturing, and other sectors will help IFC to grow its impact in Africa, speeding the continent’s recovery from COVID-19 and helping it tackle new challenges, including from rising inflation and food insecurity,” said Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa.

Pedersen holds a Master of Science in Business Administration and Finance from Aarhus University, School of Business and Social Sciences, in Denmark.

“I’m pleased to join IFC’s team in Africa. My focus will be on supporting partners to develop resilient healthcare systems, strengthen food security, grow affordable housing, foster tourism recovery and develop the manufacturing sectors in a climate-friendly manner, among other key areas that will create opportunities and jobs,” said Pedersen.

IFC currently has an advisory and investment portfolio of more than US$3 billion across manufacturing, agribusiness and services in Africa and is continuing to grow its portfolio in key areas including healthcare, affordable housing, and value chain development.

The member of World Bank is reported to have recently entered a partnership with ETC Group (ETG), an agricultural conglomerate connecting smallholder farmers to global markets, to boost food security across four countries in sub-Saharan Africa by increasing access to critical agricultural inputs and training services.

The initiative focused on supporting smallholder farmers along the maize, soybean, and groundnut value chains, is set to run from July 2022 to December 2025 beginning in Zambia, followed by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

It targets an estimated 200,000 smallholder farmers who are set to benefit from expertise from ETG’s agri-inputs business division, Empowering Farmers Foundation (EFF), and IFC.

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