Thomas Melonio has been the Executive Director of Innovation, Strategy, and Research since September 2018. This department conducts economic and social research, evaluates projects funded by the AFD, trains executives from developing countries, finances innovative projects in the environmental field (via the FFEM), and promotes innovation within the AFD.

He previously headed the AFD’s partnerships department (relations and financing of NGOs, local authorities, companies, and donors). From 2012 to 2017, he was Deputy Advisor and then Africa Advisor at the Presidency of the Republic.

An economist by training (HEC, PhD from IEP Paris), he has published several studies on the financing of education, higher education, and international migrations within the AFD’s research department.

Thomas Melonio was appointed Chief Economist in addition to his current role as Executive Director in May 2024.