Maseru, Lesotho – The Lesotho Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations announced the departure of Mr. Yoichiro Ishihara, the World Bank Country Representative for Lesotho. Mr. Ishihara’s tenure concludes after serving the country since February 2020.
A seasoned development professional, Mr. Ishihara joined the World Bank in 2001. He brought a wealth of experience to Lesotho, having held diverse positions within the Bank. Notably, he served as the Resident Representative and Senior Economist for Bhutan before his assignment in Lesotho. His extensive career also included economist roles in Indonesia and senior country economist positions in Afghanistan and Rwanda.
Mr. Ishihara’s expertise extends beyond regional experience. During his time in Washington D.C., he played a key role in the Bank’s Policy Department, focusing on development effectiveness and results management. This combination of broad operational skills, technical knowledge, and a strong client-centric approach has been instrumental in his contributions to Lesotho’s development journey.
While details regarding his departure date haven’t been made public, the Ministry acknowledged Mr. Ishihara’s valuable service and wished him well in his future endeavors.