Paulo Gomes

Biography

"Paulo Gomes is a global business leader, active environmentalist and a key political actor in Guinea Bissau.

"After eight years as Executive Director on the Board of the World Bank Group representing 25 African nations, Paulo Gomes launched the Constelor Group in 2006 and became a Counsellor of Dragoman.

"Career highlights include joining the World Bank as an Alternate Director in 1998. In 2002, he was promoted to the Executive Directorship and became one of 24 members of the World Bank Board tasked with leading the Bank’s strategic and oversight activities.

"Paulo started his career in Africa in 1988 when he joined the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Trade in his native Guinea-Bissau. As Director of Strategic Planning and Principal Adviser to the Minister, he led the effort to introduce the country into the West African Monetary Union (“UEMOA”).

"In 1997, Paulo obtained a Masters’ degree with Honours in Economic Policy and Management from the Kennedy School of Government (USA). He is a member of the Board of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (“ETI”), a leader in the banking sector in Africa, and of the Board of Asky Airlines. He is Chairman of AFIG, an African Private Equity Fund, and he belongs to a number of networks, including the 3A Forum. He is also a member of the Board of the Green Climate Fund, Presidente of the Benten Institut (economic and social think tank in Guinea Bissau).

"Running for the first time in the 2014 presidential elections, without any party backing, Paulo managed to rally over 10 percent of the electorate. At barely 50 years old, Paulo will continue to be a key figure in the political landscape of the country."

Affiliations

• Counsel, Dragoman Consulting