Professional History: Issam Chleuh is a Principal at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where he leads efforts to support the growth and transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets. Based in Abidjan, he is responsible for shaping and implementing the Bank’s SME development strategy.

His work focuses on unlocking the potential of high-growth businesses by combining advisory support with tailored financial solutions. He is particularly engaged in advancing intra-African and South–South trade, supporting SMEs across sectors—including agribusiness, logistics, manufacturing, and services—to scale and integrate into regional and global value chains.

Issam brings more than 15 years of international experience across finance, consulting, and private sector development. Prior to joining EBRD, he held roles at the African Development Bank, where he managed a $150 million SME facility across Sub-Saharan Africa, and at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), where he led SME strategy and operations for West and Central Africa.

He also served as Director at Mastercard Advisors, leading SME advisory and financial inclusion initiatives across the continent.

Earlier in his career, Issam co-founded Suguba, a platform supporting SME and startup ecosystem development in West Africa, and worked with the Islamic Development Bank, where he contributed to the design and implementation of regional SME financing programmes. He began his career at EY (Ernst & Young) in the United States, advising financial institutions on strategy, transactions, and transformation.

He has lived in 11 countries across three continents - nine of them in Africa - and has travelled to 44 countries, shaping a global perspective grounded in local realities. He is fluent in French and English.

Issam has been recognised as part of the Choiseul Africa 100 and Forbes 30 Under 30, reflecting his contributions to business and economic development on the continent. He is driven by a commitment to inclusive growth and to building partnerships that create lasting impact.

Academic and professional credentials: Bachelor in Finance and Accounting from Suffolk University, Boston
Master of Science in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame
Executive Certificate in Private Equity and Venture Capital from Harvard Business School

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