Philippe Le Houérou

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

Opinion: Before setting up new climate funds, consolidate existing ones

Opinion: Before setting up new climate funds, consolidate existing ones

over 2 years ago // Climate Finance

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.

Opinion: The World Bank should become the 'IMF of climate'

Opinion: The World Bank should become the 'IMF of climate'

over 3 years ago // World Bank

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.

Opinion: Civil society is indispensable in driving for impact at IFC

Opinion: Civil society is indispensable in driving for impact at IFC

over 5 years ago // Private Sector

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.

Opinion: Support women-owned businesses for economic growth in an uncertain world

Opinion: Support women-owned businesses for economic growth in an uncertain world

almost 6 years ago // Entrepreneurship

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.

Opinion: In blended finance, transparency and rigor must rule the day

Opinion: In blended finance, transparency and rigor must rule the day

about 6 years ago // Finance

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.

Opinion: Stepping up our game on environment and social issues

Opinion: Stepping up our game on environment and social issues

over 6 years ago // Sustainable development

International Finance Corporation CEO Philippe Le Houérou unveils his agency's plan for strengthening engagement with local communities and civil society organizations.

Opinion: At IFC, accountability is of utmost importance

Opinion: At IFC, accountability is of utmost importance

over 6 years ago // World Bank Spring Meetings

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."

Opinion: A new IFC vision for greening banks in emerging markets

Opinion: A new IFC vision for greening banks in emerging markets

about 7 years ago // World Bank Annual Meetings

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.

Opinion: The Equator Principles just turned 15, we should celebrate their impact

Opinion: The Equator Principles just turned 15, we should celebrate their impact

over 7 years ago // Development policy

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.

Opinion: Here's how the IFC is working with financial institutions

Opinion: Here's how the IFC is working with financial institutions

about 8 years ago // World Bank Annual Meetings

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.