The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that Antoinette Sayeh, its Deputy Managing Director, will retire on September 12, 2024.
Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, lauded Sayeh’s contributions: “Antoinette has been a pillar of the Fund’s leadership team for many years. Her experience, integrity, and judgment have been invaluable.”
Georgieva further highlighted Sayeh’s dedication to public service and her focus on the well-being of member countries, particularly low-income and those facing fragility and conflict. Sayeh was also a strong advocate for IMF staff, serving as a mentor and advisor.
Champion for Low-Income Countries
Sayeh, a Liberian national, is best known for her tireless advocacy for low-income and fragile IMF members, particularly those in Africa.
She served as the first female Director of the IMF’s African Department (2008-2016), leading a significant transformation in the IMF’s relationship with sub-Saharan African countries.
During this time, Sayeh’s deep understanding of the region’s challenges played a key role.
Her legacy includes contributing to reforms in concessional financing, debt, and capacity development. Notably, she championed changes that allowed the IMF to provide emergency funding and debt relief to three African nations hit by the 2014 Ebola crisis.
Extensive Public Service Career
Prior to the IMF, Sayeh served as Liberia’s Finance Minister under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (2006-2008). Earlier, she worked for the World Bank Group for 17 years, holding senior positions. Her career began in Liberia’s Ministries of Finance and Planning.
“Antoinette demonstrates a rare combination of leadership, analytical capacity, ethical standards, and sound judgment,” said Georgieva. “She will be greatly missed.”
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