Mama Kanny Diallo is a prominent Guinean economist and politician, born in 1952 in Labé. Originally from Kankalabé in the Dalaba prefecture and the daughter of a canton chief from Kébali, she built an impressive international career, particularly at the World Bank and the African Development Bank, where she held strategic positions for nearly three decades. She holds a DEA in finance and international trade from American University and a master's degree in economics from Paris-Nanterre University. She brought her expertise back to her home country, serving as the Minister of Planning and Economic Development from December 2015 to September 2021.
During her tenure, she led the National Economic and Social Development Plan (PNDES) and secured significant international funding, notably from the Islamic Development Bank. Also known for being the former wife of ex-president Alpha Condé, this finance expert represents the rise of Guinean women in political and economic spheres, despite some controversies surrounding her ministerial management.
Introduction
Mama Kanny Diallo is an iconic figure in Guinea's political and economic landscape. A specialist in finance and international trade, this distinguished professional has applied her expertise to the service of her country following a prestigious international career. Her journey exemplifies the rise of a determined woman in a field often dominated by men.
Background and Academic Training
Born in 1952 in Labé, the capital of Middle Guinea, Mama Kanny Diallo hails from Kankalabé in the Dalaba prefecture. Coming from an influential family, she is the daughter of a canton chief from Kébali, giving her deep roots in the traditional Fulani culture of the region.
Her impressive academic background reflects her thirst for knowledge and ambition. She earned a master's degree in economics with a specialization in international relations and development from Paris-Nanterre University between 1980 and 1981. She then continued her studies in the United States, obtaining a diploma of advanced studies (DEA) in finance and international trade from American University in Washington between 1983 and 1985.
Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. Keen on continuous improvement, she completed several high-level certifications:
- A certificate in financial programming from the IMF Institute in 2004.
- A certificate in policy, institutional reform, and sustainable development from the African Multilateral Institute in 1999.
- A certificate in macroeconomic management from the Harvard Institute for International Development at Harvard University in 1992.
This solid and diverse training equipped her with a sharp expertise in development economics, which proved invaluable for the challenges she would later face.
International Career
Mama Kanny Diallo's professional career began in 1981 when she took on the role of technical assistant to the board of directors and the Africa department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. This initial experience allowed her to understand Africa's economic issues on a global scale.
From 1985 to 1986, she joined the World Bank as a research assistant in the external debt division of the department of projections and macroeconomic analysis, also in Washington. This experience deepened her understanding of the debt mechanisms affecting the development of African countries.
However, it was at the African Development Bank (AfDB) that Mama Kanny Diallo truly built her international career, spending nearly three decades there. From 1986 to 1994, she held various positions, starting as a senior economist and later as a program officer.
Between 1995 and 2005, she served as the lead economist of the North Region Operations Department (covering Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, and Libya) within the AfDB. This strategic role enabled her to oversee major development projects in a region with complex economic challenges.
The peak of her career at the AfDB came between 2005 and 2015 when she served as the chief capacity development officer at the African Development Institute (ADI). Her decade in this position allowed her to contribute to strengthening the capacities of African professionals in economic development.
Entry into Politics
In December 2015, after a prestigious international career, Mama Kanny Diallo joined the Guinean government as Minister of Planning and Economic Development. Her appointment was part of a strategy to leverage technical expertise to revive Guinea's economy.
Her nomination occurred at a critical time following the Ebola epidemic, which had severely impacted the country's economy. Her expertise was seen as a major asset to mobilize international funding and coordinate economic recovery efforts.
She was reappointed in subsequent ministerial reshuffles, serving in the governments of Prime Ministers Youla and Kassory I and II until the fall of Alpha Condé's regime on September 5, 2021, following a military coup.
Achievements as Minister
PNDES
One of her most significant achievements was the design and implementation of the 2016-2020 National Economic and Social Development Plan (PNDES). This ambitious plan aimed to transform Guinea's economy by focusing on investments in infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture.
In March 2019, she launched a vast awareness campaign across the country's four regions to engage the population with the plan’s objectives and gain their support. Unlike previous plans, the PNDES was part of a long-term vision for a "prosperous and emerging Guinea" by 2040.
Mobilization of Funding
In October 2016, Mama Kanny Diallo secured a $56 million cooperation agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Saudi Arabia. Signed with IDB President Dr. Bandar Hajjar, this agreement aimed to provide significant support to Guinea's health sector.
This funding was a lifeline for the Guinean state, whose revenues had been heavily affected by the Ebola epidemic. Notably, Guinea, a founding member of the IDB, had already received $657 million in financial support from the institution for projects in sectors such as energy, health, agriculture, and education.
In January 2017, she organized a consultation forum between the IDB Group and the Guinean private sector, encouraging economic operators to familiarize themselves with the bank's financing mechanisms.
Coordination of the Annual Report
In December 2016, she was appointed coordinator of the government's annual report, a role demonstrating the trust placed in her. In this capacity, she synthesized results across various socio-economic sectors and identified "the real issues limiting government efficiency" to propose practical solutions.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite her accomplishments, Mama Kanny Diallo's ministerial journey was not without hurdles. Several controversies marked her tenure, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from an international career to managing a ministry in Guinea's local context.
In November 2016, a near-crisis occurred when some ministry staff attempted to prevent her from entering her office. The union accused her of having a "haughty" attitude and a lack of concern for workers. Government mediators intervened, citing her need to adapt after years abroad.
In January 2018, ministry staff accused her of "opaque management." The union’s secretary-general denounced shortcomings in social, administrative, and financial management, claiming a "total disregard" for the union and unprecedented dysfunction.
These controversies illustrate the adaptation challenges faced by diaspora professionals joining the Guinean administration and the resistance to change they may encounter.
Personal Life
A notable aspect of Mama Kanny Diallo's life is her marriage to former President Alpha Condé. This union, which took place decades ago in Dakar, symbolized ethnic unity in a country where ethnic divisions can be significant.
Legacy and Impact
Mama Kanny Diallo's remarkable career is a testament to the rise of Guinean women in political and economic spheres. Her international expertise has served as a valuable resource for Guinea's development.
Her contributions, especially through the PNDES, have laid a solid foundation for the country's future development policies. Despite the controversies, she remains a respected figure for her professional achievements and dedication to her country's growth.
