The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has appointed Dr. Malle Fofana of Senegal as Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Green Growth Implementation Directorate, following an international competitive selection process.
Dr. Fofana becomes the first African to serve on GGGI’s Executive Team, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the voice and leadership of developing countries in global climate and development institutions.
His appointment reflects the growing role of Africa not only as a priority region for climate action, but as a driver of solutions and innovation in the transition to green, resilient, and inclusive economies.
Dr. Fofana brings over two decades of experience in sustainable development, climate policy, and international cooperation. Since joining GGGI in 2018, he has held key leadership positions, including Regional Director for Africa and Regional Director for Asia, where he led the expansion of GGGI’s operations and partnerships. Over the past year, he has served as Officer-in-Charge in the Deputy Executive Director function, guiding the organization through a period of strategic transition and growth.
Dr. Fofana will oversee the implementation of GGGI’s global portfolio of close to 300 projects across more than 50 countries, supporting governments to mobilize climate finance, strengthen policy frameworks, and deliver green growth aligned with national development priorities.
Africa has emerged as a central pillar of GGGI’s work. Today, over 15 African countries are members or close partners of the organization, reflecting strong and growing demand for country-driven green growth solutions across the continent.
In 2025 alone, GGGI delivered significant results in Africa, including mobilizing USD 140.2 million in green investment commitments, supporting 54 active projects, delivering 41 investment advisory outputs and 36 policy advisory outputs, and contributing to the adoption of 12 green growth policies. These efforts also prioritized inclusion, with dedicated interventions addressing gender equality and poverty reduction across programs.
These achievements contribute to GGGI’s broader global impact, which since its inception has mobilized more than USD 18 billion in green investment commitments and supported countries in advancing climate-resilient and low-carbon development pathways.
Executive Director Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim, appointed in 2025, has led a renewed strategic direction to position GGGI as a key global partner for countries navigating an increasingly complex climate and economic landscape.
“Over the past year, GGGI has achieved close to 20 percent growth despite a challenging global geopolitical context,” said Mr. Kim. “Africa has been at the heart of this progress, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to green growth. Dr. Fofana has played a central role in advancing our work across the continent and beyond, and his appointment reflects both his leadership and the strategic importance of Africa to GGGI’s future.”
Dr. Fofana has been instrumental in strengthening partnerships across Africa, supporting governments in translating climate ambition into investment-ready programs, and advancing initiatives that align economic growth with sustainability and inclusion.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Fofana said:
“This moment reflects the growing leadership of Africa in shaping the global green growth agenda. GGGI’s greatest strength lies in its people and partnerships. I am proud to represent both the organization and the continent as we work together to deliver solutions that respond to countries’ priorities and improve lives across communities.”
As GGGI continues to expand its presence, the organization remains committed to supporting African countries in accelerating green industrialization, mobilizing climate finance at scale, and advancing a just and inclusive transition.