
On May 1, 2025, Solomane Koné was appointed Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Center at the African Development Bank. With over 30 years of experience, he is now responsible for leading initiatives aimed at transforming Africa’s natural resources into levers of sustainable growth.
Solomane Koné is a recognized Ivorian economist for his expertise in regional development, natural resource management, and economic policy.
Holding a PhD and a Master’s degree in Development Planning and Economics from Cornell University in the United States, he joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2003 as a country economist.
A product of the AfDB
Throughout his career, Solomane Koné has held several leadership positions within the AfDB. Notably, he was head of the regional office for Central Africa while also leading the country offices for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea.
His mission: to strengthen the capacities of African countries to transform their natural resources into engines of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Before his appointment at the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Center, he played a key role in establishing the AfDB regional office in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and in developing country strategies for several Central African countries.
In his new role, Solomane is tasked with strengthening the capacities of African countries to turn their natural resources into drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.
“His mission: to strengthen the capacities of African countries to transform their natural resources into engines of inclusive and sustainable growth”
Before his appointment at the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Center, he played a key role in establishing the AfDB regional office in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and in developing country strategies for several Central African countries.
In his new role, Solomane is tasked with strengthening the capacities of African countries to turn their natural resources into drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.