Gael Raballand has been appointed as the new Country Manager for Tajikistan by the World Bank Group, effective December 1, 2025. In this role, Raballand will oversee the activities of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) in Tajikistan. He will serve as a single point of contact for all World Bank Group products and services in the country.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of Country Manager for Tajikistan and to lead the World Bank Group’s efforts in supporting the country’s development journey,” said Mr. Raballand. “Our focus will be on fostering economic growth, strengthening the private sector, and creating more and better jobs, as a key driver of sustainable development. I indeed look forward to maintaining and deepening our partnership with Tajikistan.”
Raballand, a French national, joined the World Bank Group in 2003 as a Young Professional. Before his current appointment, he was Practice Manager for Governance in West Africa based in Dakar, Senegal. His previous roles at the World Bank include Senior Transport Economist in the Africa Transport Unit, Senior Public Sector Specialist in the Middle East and North Africa region, and Lead Public Sector Specialist in Africa based in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Sorbonne University along with degrees in Political Science and International Public Law. Raballand has co-authored several World Bank publications and academic papers focusing on trade, transport, and customs issues.
The World Bank Group's current portfolio in Tajikistan consists of 26 projects financed by IDA totaling $2 billion. These investments cover sectors such as agriculture, digital connectivity, disaster risk management, education, energy, health care, social protection programs, transportation infrastructure improvements, water supply initiatives as well as capacity building within government agencies responsible for tax administration finance oversight statistical data collection systems. Additionally IFC provides $70 million to seven private sector clients operating across agriculture financial services infrastructure manufacturing industries.