The World Bank has appointed Hugh Riddell as its new Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic. Based in Bishkek, Riddell will spearhead the World Bank's engagement in the Kyrgyz Republic, encompassing policy dialogue with government officials, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. He will also manage the World Bank country team and oversee the successful implementation of the Country Partnership Framework.
Riddell, a UK national, joined the World Bank in 2007 and has held several positions in Washington D.C., Afghanistan, and East Africa. From July 2020 to April 2024, he served as the Country Manager for Malawi. Before joining the World Bank, Riddell worked at the United Nations, European Commission, and also gained experience in investment banking and journalism.
"I am excited to begin my role as the new World Bank Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic," said Hugh Riddell. "I look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue regarding critical reforms, especially in the energy, water, and agriculture sectors. I will also focus on enhancing the World Bank’s robust partnerships with the government of the Kyrgyz Republic, development partners, and key stakeholders to implement our new five-year Country Partnership Framework and help the country achieve its ambitious development goals."
Riddell is succeeding Naveed Hassan Naqvi who held this position since August 2020.
The recently launched five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the Kyrgyz Republic for fiscal years 2024-28 introduces shifts in focus and approach for the World Bank’s work. It aligns well with and responds to the Kyrgyz Republic’s priorities and needs as outlined in their Systematic Country Diagnostic Update. Energy, water, and agriculture have been identified as priority sectors for World Bank financing with an emphasis on enabling private sector investments and building scalable projects using innovative financing instruments.
Moreover, CPF includes a strong focus on key global challenges including strengthening climate resilience and reducing emissions, closing gender gaps, supporting jobs and economic transformation, strengthening institutions, and reducing fragility risk.
The World Bank’s overall mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet. The Bank’s program in the Kyrgyz Republic currently consists of 25 projects supporting the modernization and development of various sectors, with commitments exceeding $1.2 billion.