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IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has announced that Abebe Aemro Selassie intends to retire as Director of the African Department (AFR) on 1 May 2026.

In a statement by Ms. Georgieva, she said Selassie has guided the department through a period of profound change and challenge.

“He oversaw the Fund’s engagement with 45 countries across sub-Saharan Africa responding to surging programme demand while adapting to the region’s evolving needs during a historically challenging time – from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing period of high inflation to major shifts in global trade policies,” said Georgieva. “Under his leadership, AFR helped reinforce the Fund’s role as a trusted partner to our African members. During his tenure, the Fund also added a 25th chair to its Executive Board, increasing the voice of sub-Saharan Africa.”

The IMF managing director praised Selassie, saying he championed tailored policy advice and capacity development for sub-Saharan Africa, deepened engagement in key countries, and helped roll out additional resources to support fragile and conflict-affected states. 

“He also modernised AFR’s operations, strengthened collaboration across departments on critical issues such as debt resolution, PRGT financing, and resilience to shocks, and helped steer the evolving capacity development delivery to the region. His strategic vision and gift for diplomacy have left an enduring mark on the Fund,” Georgieva added.

An Ethiopian national, Selassie first joined the IMF in 1994. Over his 32-year career, he held senior positions including Deputy Director in AFR, Mission Chief for Portugal and South Africa, Division Chief of the Regional Studies Division, and Senior Resident Representative in Uganda. Earlier, he contributed to programmes in Turkey, Thailand, Romania, and Estonia, and worked on policy, operational review, and economic research.