Philippe Le Houérou Authors

Philippe Le Houérou

Philippe Le Houérou is the chairman of the board of Agence Française de Développement, a distinguished fellow at the Emerging Markets Forum, chair of the aid architecture group at FERDI, Clermont-Ferrand, and a distinguished fellow at the Finance for Development Lab in Paris. From March 2016 to October 2020, he was the chief executive officer of the International Finance Corporation — the private sector arm of the World Bank Group.

Latest Articles

Climate Finance
Climate Finance
Opinion: Before setting up new climate funds, consolidate existing ones
31 Mar 2023
There are at least 81 active climate funds and it is unclear how much they commit and disburse, to whom, for what purpose, and to which impact. Available consolidated data points to a very small amount of disbursement. Here's how to change that.
World Bank
World Bank
Opinion: The World Bank should become the 'IMF of climate'
21 Jul 2022
The United Nations should entrust the World Bank Group with a clear mandate on global climate stability by monitoring countries’ commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Private Sector
Private Sector
Opinion: Civil society is indispensable in driving for impact at IFC
17 Sep 2020
Philippe Le Houérou, who steps down as head of the International Finance Corporation on Oct. 1, calls for continued civil society engagement to ensure accountability and the best solutions for local communities.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Opinion: Support women-owned businesses for economic growth in an uncertain world
9 Mar 2020
The current unmet demand for credit among women-owned formal micro SMEs in developing markets is estimated at $1.7 trillion. Philippe Le Houérou, CEO of IFC, shares three steps to help mobilize private capital and partnerships that broaden the role of women as drivers of economic growth.
Finance
Finance
Opinion: In blended finance, transparency and rigor must rule the day
10 Oct 2019
As of Oct. 1, the International Finance Corporation is publicly disclosing the estimated subsidy for each proposed project — along with a justification. IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou explains why.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development
Opinion: Stepping up our game on environment and social issues
13 Jun 2019
International Finance Corporation CEO Philippe Le Houérou unveils his agency's plan for strengthening engagement with local communities and civil society organizations.
World Bank Spring Meetings
World Bank Spring Meetings
Opinion: At IFC, accountability is of utmost importance
10 Apr 2019
International Finance Corporation CEO Philippe Le Houérou ushers in a new era of accountability at IFC — one that "will require more dedicated IFC resources" and "a change in our behavior and culture."
World Bank Annual Meetings
World Bank Annual Meetings
Opinion: A new IFC vision for greening banks in emerging markets
8 Oct 2018
IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou lays out a bold new policy that changes the way the institution lends to banks associated with coal projects — under the condition that they agree to reduce those investments.
Development policy
Development policy
Opinion: The Equator Principles just turned 15, we should celebrate their impact
18 Sep 2018
The Equator Principles have helped facilitate more responsible investments in emerging markets. IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou details three areas of opportunity to build on their success.
World Bank Annual Meetings
World Bank Annual Meetings
Opinion: Here's how the IFC is working with financial institutions
10 Oct 2017
On the first day of the World Bank Annual Meetings, International Finance Corporation CEO Philippe Le Houérou gives an update on how his organization is working with financial institutions.
See all articles by Philippe Le Houérou