By Rene Anthere Rwanyange
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has opened nominations for its next President as Africa and other developing regions face mounting food insecurity, climate change, youth unemployment and economic shocks that are putting pressure on rural communities and food systems.
IFAD has called on its 180 Member States to nominate candidates to lead the organisation, with nominations due by November 24, 2026.
The election will take place on February 2, 2027, during the 50th session of IFAD’s Governing Council. The new President will take office on April 1, 2027, for a four-year term, renewable once.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 1977, IFAD is the only international financial institution exclusively focused on transforming rural economies. Its work includes supporting rural communities, strengthening food systems and mobilising investment for sustainable rural development.
The incoming President will lead IFAD at a time when climate-related pressures and other global challenges are affecting food production, livelihoods and rural economies, particularly in developing countries.
IFAD says sustained investment in rural transformation is needed to strengthen resilience, mobilise resources and expand innovative financing and partnerships.
Climate resilience and inclusive rural growth are increasingly important as communities confront the combined effects of food insecurity, climate change and economic disruption.
Candidates for the presidency are required to demonstrate strategic leadership and knowledge of development issues, commitment to IFAD’s objectives and strong communication and advocacy skills.
They must also be able to engage senior decision-makers, build an effective senior management team and demonstrate experience in managing substantial financial resources.
The President is IFAD’s most senior official, responsible for leading the organisation, organising its work and chairing its Executive Board.
The next President will succeed Alvaro Lario of Spain, who took office in 2022.
Since its creation, IFAD has been led by seven Presidents from different regions:
• Abdelmuhsin M. Al-Sudeary — Saudi Arabia, 1977
• Idriss Jazairy — Algeria, 1984
• Fawzi Al-Sultan — Kuwait, 1993
• Lennart Båge — Sweden, 2001
• Kanayo F. Nwanze — Nigeria, 2009
• Gilbert F. Houngbo — Togo, 2017
• Alvaro Lario — Spain, 2022
The nomination process is open only to IFAD Member States, which must submit candidates to the Secretary of IFAD by November 24, 2026.
The leadership election comes as governments, development institutions and rural communities seek greater investment in food security, climate adaptation and resilient rural economies.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is the only international financial institution exclusively focused on transforming rural economies. IFAD invests in rural people and their communities, strengthening agri-food value chains and building food security, shared prosperity and stability.
Today, IFAD and its partners have nearly US$23 billion invested in ongoing projects that are transforming rural economies.
