The World Bank Group has added Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of the OCP Group, to its prestigious High-Level Advisory Council on Employment. This recognition, announced during the 2024 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF in Washington, highlights Terrab’s remarkable contributions to employment and sustainable development.
A Council committed to dignity through employment
The High-Level Advisory Council on Employment is driven by a simple yet profound belief: employment is the cornerstone of poverty eradication and human dignity. Beyond providing income, decent work fosters independence, security, and social cohesion while reinforcing a sense of belonging.
The challenge is immense. Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people in the Global South will enter the workforce, yet only 420 million jobs are projected to be created. This stark gap calls for innovative solutions to turn what could be a crisis into an opportunity for global growth.
Mostafa Terrab’s visionary leadership
The council is chaired by distinguished leaders, including Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. Joining them are 14 influential figures from diverse sectors, including Mostafa Terrab, celebrated for his strategic foresight and long-term impact.
Since taking the helm of the OCP Group in 2006, Terrab has transformed it into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, the group has spearheaded ambitious initiatives in decarbonization, sustainable water resource management, and talent development. Terrab’s founding of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the 1337 School reflects his dedication to empowering African youth through education and entrepreneurship.
Africa’s strategic role
Africa holds a central position in the council, represented by leaders such as Patrick Achi, Nonkululeko Nyembezi, and James Mwangi. As the continent experiences unprecedented demographic growth, with one-quarter of the world’s population and one-third of its youth projected to reside there by 2050, its potential as a global growth engine is undeniable.
The council’s focus on youth and women’s employment is particularly crucial, as these groups remain vulnerable in many emerging economies. By fostering innovative initiatives, the council aims to create a future where every individual can contribute meaningfully to their community’s development.
A catalyst for global progress
Mostafa Terrab’s inclusion in this esteemed council not only underscores his leadership but also highlights Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. By addressing the employment crisis with bold, collaborative solutions, the council aspires to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
