IFC Vice President for Africa, Ethiopis Tafara, to Visit South Africa

MEDIA ADVISORY

Johannesburg, South Africa, September 15, 2025—Ethiopis Tafara, IFC’s Vice President for Africa, will visit South Africa from September 15 to 16. His inaugural visit will focus on engaging with the government and establishing new private-sector partnerships to support South Africa’s national priorities, including inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

Accompanied by senior members of IFC’s leadership team for Africa, Mr. Tafara will also participate in the Global SME Finance Forum on the sidelines of the G20 meetings from September 15 to 17, 2025, in Johannesburg.

Mr. Tafara will also meet with senior government officials and private sector representatives in South Africa to discuss how IFC can drive private-sector development while supporting national goals related to job creation, climate change mitigation, sustainable infrastructure development, and broader economic inclusion.

IFC’s investment portfolio in South Africa is its largest in Africa, exceeding $8.8 billion in commitments over the past five years, including US$3,85 million from its own account. Notable transactions include an inaugural sustainable bond with the Industrial Development Corporation, green bonds with Redefine Properties, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, local vaccine production with BioVac and Aspen Healthcare, and strengthening infrastructure with municipalities such as the City of Johannesburg and the City of Cape Town. IFC’s advisory portfolio has also expanded, with an increasing focus on national priorities such as jobs, climate, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusion.  

WHO:                    Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa | @IFCAfrica_VP

WHEN:                 Monday, September 15, 2025 – Tuesday, September 16, 2025                     

WHERE:               Johannesburg, South Africa 

For media requests, please contact: 

In Johannesburg: Nkatya Kabwe | nkabwe@ifc.org | M +1 202 937 8994