The African Development Bank has appointed Helene N'Garnim-Ganga as its new general counsel, in a promotion from her role as resident representative for the bank in Mali.

 N'Garnim-Ganga will join the bank's senior management team from 19 September. Former general counsel Kalidou Gadio left the bank on 1 February this year.

In her previous role in Mali, N'Garnim-Ganga took a lead role on talks with government officials regarding the economy, finance and infrastructure.

She joined the bank in 2009, taking a position in the office of the vice-president, corporate services, where she oversaw the implementation of reforms before becoming head of the legal operational and policy division in the general counsel's office.

She began her career as an associate at now defunct US law firm Coudert Brothers, before joining the French Development Agency.

Her appointment comes amid a number of other changes at the bank, including the appointment of Vincent Nmehielle as company secretary.

The bank's president, Akinwumi Adesina, commented: "Helene brings extensive legal experience of the bank's legal operations, combined with management of bank projects and business operations in a fragile state, where she is respected for building strong engagement with the government and development partners."

The African Development Bank, which was founded in 1964, aims to improve living standards across the continent by promoting the investment of public and private capital into economically and socially beneficial projects.