The World Bank Group has appointed Cameroonian communications professional Edwin Eselem as its new Manager of Communications and External Relations for West and Central Africa.

In the role, Eselem will lead the Group's communication strategy, media relations and engagement with stakeholders across the region, which includes Ghana. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of development financing in West and Central Africa, supporting projects in areas such as health, education, energy and jobs.

From telecoms and basketball to development

Eselem moves into the post after serving within the World Bank Group as Principal Communications Officer and Regional Communications Lead for North, East and Southern Africa, where he handled media work for the Group's private-sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

He joined the World Bank Group in 2025. Before that, he worked in communications with telecoms company Orange and with NBA Africa, the organisation behind the Basketball Africa League.

Roots in Buea

Eselem hails from Cameroon's Southwest Region. He studied at the University of Buea, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a master's degree in Corporate Communications.