Neila Tazi has just been appointed Vice President of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the IMF for the 2025–2027 term, making her the first Moroccan official to reach this high-profile international position. Her selection marks a major milestone for Morocco, signaling the country’s growing influence in global financial governance.
A prominent member of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) group in Morocco’s upper house of Parliament, Tazi also chairs the Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Overseas Moroccan Affairs Committee. Over the years, she has emerged as a leading voice in parliamentary diplomacy. Back in 2016, she was instrumental in launching the Moroccan chapter of the Parliamentary Network. By 2021, she had secured a seat on its board, representing the Middle East and North Africa region. Her recent reelection, followed by her elevation to the vice presidency, is seen as international recognition of her diplomatic leadership and consistent engagement.
The Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the IMF was established in 2000 and now includes nearly 2,000 lawmakers from over 140 countries. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between elected officials and major global financial institutions. By fostering dialogue, promoting accountability, and encouraging transparency, the network aims to create more democratic oversight over development policies and funding decisions.
The board of directors, based in Paris, is composed of 12 members. Nine are elected, while three are co-opted, each representing a different region. The newly elected board—whose members hail from the UK, Luxembourg, Senegal, Mexico, Kenya, Angola, Spain, Pakistan, and now Morocco—will officially begin its mandate on October 13 during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. Their work will kick off with a Parliamentary Forum held just ahead of the official assemblies.
Tazi’s appointment comes at a time of deepening ties between Morocco and the World Bank. The institution has announced plans to open its regional headquarters in Rabat, a move that underlines Morocco’s reputation for political stability and its emerging role as a regional economic hub for North and West Africa. Through this new base, the World Bank intends to ramp up its support for Morocco and surrounding countries in key sectors such as education, infrastructure, energy transition, and sustainable development.
