The World Bank Group has appointed Wendy Werner as the first Country Manager for Oman, based in Muscat. This move emphasizes the organization's commitment to its partnership with Oman and supports the country's "Vision 2040". The establishment of a new office in Muscat aims to enhance engagement in addressing development challenges and national priorities efficiently.
Wendy Werner previously served as the Country Head for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in India and the Maldives, managing IFC's largest country portfolio. Her experience spans over two decades across emerging markets, where she has led investments in climate finance, gender inclusion, and sustainable infrastructure.
"I am honored to take on the responsibility as the first World Bank Group’s Country Manager for The Sultanate of Oman," said Wendy Werner. She expressed her eagerness to collaborate with both public and private sectors in Oman to tackle key priorities such as economic resilience, sustainable finance access for SMEs, and private sector development.
The World Bank has been offering advisory services to Oman's government focusing on human capital strengthening, economic diversification, and private sector development enhancement. IFC has invested $780 million across 16 projects in Oman. Recent investments include $120 million in NFC to support SMEs involved in clean transport and renewable energy and a $200 million sustainability loan to Sohar International Bank.
MIGA supported $1.7 billion in commercial financing for infrastructure works at Duqm Special Economic Zone, contributing to logistics sector expansion aligned with Oman's Vision 2040 goals.
The new office will operate under a single Country Manager overseeing all components of the World Bank Group including IBRD & IDA, IFC, and MIGA.