Antoinette Sayeh

Antoinette Sayeh
Deputy MD, IMF
Liberia

Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, recognized for her exceptional contributions to international finance and development, has been rightfully named in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 by Avance Media. Currently serving as the Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sayeh’s illustrious career spans across pivotal roles in global institutions and impactful leadership in post-conflict Liberia.

Before assuming her current role at the IMF, Sayeh served as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Center for Global Development (CGD). Notably, she co-chaired the 19th Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA19), the World Bank’s Fund for the poorest. Her significant impact on the African continent was evident during her tenure as Director of the African Department at the IMF from July 2008 to August 2016, where she played a vital role in enhancing the IMF’s engagement with its sub-Saharan African members.

Sayeh’s leadership prowess shone brightly during her tenure as the Minister of Finance in post-conflict Liberia from January 2006 to June 2008. In this capacity, she guided the country through the challenging processes of clearing long-standing multilateral debt arrears, navigating the HIPC Decision Point, engaging with the Paris Club, orchestrating the buy-back of commercial debt, and formulating Liberia’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy. Her efforts significantly strengthened Liberia’s public finances and ushered in crucial public financial management reforms.

With a wealth of experience spanning 17 years, Sayeh served with distinction at the World Bank. Her roles included Country Director for Benin, Niger, and Togo, Senior Country Economist for Pakistan and Afghanistan, and various advisory positions in the Bank’s Operations Policy Vice Presidency. Before joining the World Bank, she held economic advisory positions in Liberia’s Ministries of Finance and Planning.

Sayeh’s academic journey includes earning a bachelor’s degree with honors in economics from Swarthmore College and a Ph.D. in International Economic Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Her commitment to education and development is further demonstrated by her involvement in various boards, including the Board of Managers of Swarthmore College, the Board of Directors of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, and the Board of Directors of Emerging Public Leaders.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to international finance, her transformative leadership in post-conflict Liberia, and her ongoing commitment to global development, Antoinette Monsio Sayeh was named in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 by Avance Media. Her journey exemplifies resilience, expertise, and a dedication to advancing economic and financial stability on both the continental and global stages. Sayeh’s influence continues to shape policies and initiatives that contribute to the socio-economic progress of nations and the empowerment of women in leadership.