Khawaja Aftab Ahmed is the Regional Director for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), based in Amman, Jordan. With over 36 years of experience in development banking, he has played a pivotal role in driving private sector-led growth and fostering financial inclusion across emerging markets. Aftab has extensive expertise in business development, investment management and risk assessment, having successfully led strategic initiatives that have expanded access to finance, capital market development and strengthened financial institutions across multiple regions. Throughout his career, Aftab has held several senior leadership roles, including Regional Manager for the Financial Institutions Group in the Middle East and North Africa, Director for the Financial Institutions Group and Private Equity Funds in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, , Director of Investment and Credit Risk and more recently Regional Director Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan. His diverse experience spans client relationship management at strategic level, building new business lines, managing multi-billion-dollar investment portfolios, and leading advisory services that have supported sustainable economic development. He has been instrumental in launching innovative financial products and developing strategies that enhance the resilience and efficiency of financial systems in emerging markets. He has been a champion of Diversity and Inclusion. Aftab's leadership at IFC has been marked by his ability to forge strong partnerships with governments, financial institutions, and private sector players to drive impactful investments. His expertise in risk management and credit assessment has helped shape IFC’s investment approach, ensuring financial sustainability while maximizing development impact. Over the years, he has played a key role in structuring complex financial transactions, developing policy frameworks, and spearheading initiatives that promote private sector growth in challenging environments. Aftab holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi and an MBA in Finance from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, Pakistan. His technical background, combined with his deep
