After an eight-month intensive program, graduates from 18 nations are honored in online ceremony

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2020 — In a moving ceremony connecting participants around the country, the Milken Institute, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) recognized the graduating Class of 2020 IFC-Milken Institute Capital Markets Scholars. 

Equipped with eight-months of rigorous academic and hands-on professional experience in financial and capital markets, 23 scholars from 18 countries are graduating in time to help their home countries respond to the economic storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Milken Institute Chairman Michael Milken told the graduates, “At a time of great distress in the world, you have had a front seat to learning about the economic, social, and health impacts of a pandemic. In the coming months, you will all play essential roles in helping your countries weather today’s challenges and get on the path to economic recovery and shared prosperity. Remember to use your experience here, as well as the connections of the global alumni network you are joining today, as powerful tools in that effort.”

IFC and GWSB leadership also addressed the class. GWSB Dean Anuj Mehrotra remarked, “I am confident that our graduates are well-positioned to leverage their education to be agents of change and catalysts for strengthening the economies and quality of life in their respective countries. This is especially true with the disruption caused by the current global pandemic. Our graduates join an impressive group of program alumni who are already applying what they learned effectively to make transformative change.” 

Obiageri Christiana Ndukwe from the Central Bank of Nigeria was honored as class valedictorian. 

“Last semester, when we were studying the theory of financial crises at the George Washington University School of Business, none of us could have foreseen that after graduation we would be returning to countries that are now themselves at risk of financial crisis due to Covid-19,” she told fellow graduates. “There is a lot of work to be done, but I’ve seen so much resilience and dedication from my peers here, that I’m confident we’re up to the task.” 

The IFC-Milken Institute Capital Markets Program accepts nominations from employers in ministries of finance, central banks, capital markets regulatory agencies, stock exchanges, and other related financial market institutions. The program also welcomes sponsors to participate in its weekly speaker series, host interns, or help cover tuition and other program expenses. The program is made possible thanks to support from the Motsepe Foundation, Standard Bank, Fitch Ratings, and other partners. For more information, visit ifcmilkencmp.org. 

IFC-Milken Institute Scholars Class of 2020 

Botswana
• Mr. Kopano Bolokwe, Head of Product Development, Botswana Stock Exchange Limited
• Mr. Nenguba Chakalisa, Senior Dealer in the Financial Markets Department at the Central Bank of Botswana
• Mr. Tsametse Civilian (TC) Mmolai, Head of Listings and Trading, Botswana Stock Exchange Limited

The Gambia
• Ms. Ya Maram Sosseh, Bank Examiner, Central Bank of The Gambia

Georgia
• Ms. Sopio Bitsadze, Acting Head of Government’s Securities Division in the Public Debt Management Department Ministry of Finance of Georgia

Kenya
• Ms. Millicent Wamaitha Matimu, Secondary Market Dealer, Central Bank of Kenya
• Mr. Anthony Murimi, Investment Analyst, Central Bank of Kenya

Liberia
• Ms. Lilian L. Best, Secretary to the Board of Governors and Corporate Policy Coordinator in the Office of the Executive Governor, Central Bank of Liberia

Libya
• Mr. Badreddin O.S. Abuabdelah, Risk Manager at Central Bank of Libya

Madagascar
• Ms. Harizafy Ralarosy Andriantsoa, Economist, Central Bank of Madagascar

Mauritania
• Mr. Ely Cheikh Amar, Financial Analyst at the Central Bank of Mauritania

Namibia
• Ms. Helvi Fillipus, Deputy Director, Investments and Domestic Markets at the Bank of Namibia

Nigeria
• Ms. Obiageri Christiana Ndukwe, Deputy Manager at the Central Bank of Nigeria
• Mr. Kenneth Uche Ohaeri, Team Lead Market Control in Market Operations, Nigerian Stock Exchange
• Ms. Fatima Sani Bala, Deputy Manager, Financial Markets Department in the Central Bank of Nigeria

Pakistan
• Ms. Nazish Zubair, Additional Joint Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

Philippines
• Mr. Mark C. Hong, Treasury Operations Officer, Bureau of the Treasury of Philippines

South Africa
• Ms. Taalya Phekun, Financial Markets Specialist within the Market Intelligence and Operations division (Financial Markets Department), South African Reserve Bank

Sudan
• Mr. Abdelrahiem Khalifa, Economist, Central Bank of Sudan

Eswatini
• Ms. Nomfundo N Mamba, Portfolio Manager at the Central Bank of Eswatini

Tajikistan
• Mr. Mahmoudjon Harmaliev, Lead Specialist, International Relations Department, National Bank of Tajikistan

Uzbekistan
• Mr. Nurbek Darvishev, Chief of Division, Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development

Zimbabwe
• Mr. Joseph Medzano, Deputy Director, Financial and Capital Markets within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Government of Zimbabwe