The World Bank Group has named Firas Raad, a national of Jordan, as its new country director for Malawi, effective Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Raad, who brings 27 years of experience to the role, succeeds Nathan Belete, who previously oversaw the World Bank’s operations in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In his new position, Raad will be based in Lilongwe and will manage a portfolio that includes 30 International Development Associations with lending operations totaling over $3.39 billion.

Prior to this, Raad served as the World Bank country director in Malaysia, South Sudan, and Kuwait.

He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in international health policies and economics from the Harvard School of Public Health, among other academic qualifications.