Francesco Maria Rispoli

Francesco Maria Rispoli is a seasoned professional in agricultural development and financial advisory, currently serving as the Head of the IFAD Southern Africa Multi-Country Office and Country Director for Rwanda and Tanzania at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) since August 2018. Rispoli previously held the position of Technical Advisor at IFAD from January 2005 to July 2017, managing a diverse portfolio of investments in rural finance and agricultural development across multiple regions. Prior experience includes leading the Private Sector Development Unit at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and managing a Business Innovation Centre focused on SME development. Rispoli began a career in project management with SERVICES TECHNIQUES GLOBAUX and contributed to economic development programming at ARUP Economics and Planning. Rispoli holds an MBA from Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations from University La Sapienza, Rome.