Dr. Diao Baldé is a Guinean expert in project development and management, recently appointed as Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in March 2025. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Gembloux and master's degrees in Geology and Higher Education Methodology.
Dr. Baldé has held several strategic positions, including Executive Director at the Islamic Development Bank (2017–2020) and Director of the Economic and Social Development Fund. Known for his work on the development of the Fouta Djallon massif and his coordination of programs funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, he entered politics in 2020 by founding the Union for a New Guinea (UGN) and became Vice-President of ANAD, a major Guinean political coalition.
Introduction
Dr. Diao Baldé is an experienced Guinean executive, renowned for his expertise in project development and management. Recently appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development on March 6, 2025, by presidential decree, he officially took office on March 11, 2025, succeeding Mr. Aly Traoré.
A Ph.D. holder in Agronomy from the University of Gembloux (1995), Dr. Baldé also holds a Master's degree in Superficial Terrain Geology and a Master's in Higher Education Methodology from the University of Liège. His exceptional academic background has equipped him with a holistic perspective on environmental and developmental issues.
Professional Background
Dr. Baldé's career reflects a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and natural resource management. Among his notable achievements is the development of the Fouta Djallon massif, a project that resulted in significant reforestation efforts and training in natural resource management.
His expertise has led him to hold several strategic positions:
- Executive Director at the Islamic Development Bank (2017–2020), covering several African countries, including Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cameroon.
- General Director of the Technical Support Bureau for Programming at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (2015–2020).
- Director of the Economic and Social Development Fund (FDSE).
- Director of the Sustainable Social Development Project H.M.G (PDSD-HMG) from 2003 to 2010, under the African Development Bank.
- Coordinator of the Village Communities Support Program (PACV) from 1998 to 2003, financed by the World Bank.
Throughout these missions, Dr. Baldé has contributed to strengthening the capacities of local communities, improving rural infrastructure, and promoting entrepreneurship, particularly among women and young people.
Political Engagement
In 2020, Dr. Baldé entered politics by founding the Union for a New Guinea (UGN). His integrity and rigor quickly earned him the trust of his peers, as demonstrated by his appointment as Vice-President of ANAD, a major Guinean political coalition.
His recent meeting with the President of the Transition, General Mamadi Doumbouya, alongside Cellou Baldé and Maladho Diallo, has sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement, a hypothesis reinforced by his appointment as Chief of Staff.
Vision for the Environment
During his assumption of office, Dr. Baldé presented a clear assessment of the environmental challenges facing Guinea: water and air pollution, plastic waste invasion, deforestation, the extinction of animal species, desertification, and climate change.
"Environment is life. Our survival depends on its preservation. No sustainable development can be envisioned without a healthy and protected environment," he declared, emphasizing the urgency of concrete actions to protect the nation's natural resources.
Dr. Baldé is committed to "enhancing the efficiency of environmental actions, developing programs adapted to local realities, and ensuring rigorous monitoring of public policies and ongoing projects," while calling for close collaboration among all sector stakeholders.
A Leader for the Future
A symbol of excellence and discipline, Dr. Diao Baldé represents a new generation of Guinean leaders who combine technical expertise with political engagement. His appointment to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development marks a significant step in his political career and offers Guinea an opportunity to benefit from his extensive experience in sustainable development and environmental management.
