Ms. Sophie Mia Carama, Program Assistant, Elevated to the Rank of Knight of the Order of the Stallion

Washington, April 16, 2026 - The Office of the Executive Director of the World Bank Group (WBG) for Africa Group II gratefully celebrated the decoration of Ms. Sophie Mia Carama/Kambou, who was honored by the authorities of Burkina Faso for the outstanding services rendered to the Burkinabè nation through her sustained commitment to strengthening relations between Burkina Faso and the World Bank Group.

The official ceremony was held on April 16, 2026, at the residence of the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the United States of America, in the presence of high-level representatives. On this occasion, Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, Minister of Economy and Finance and World Bank Group Governor for Burkina Faso, acting on behalf of His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, formally conferred upon Ms. Sophie Mia Carama/Kambou the medal of Knight of the Order of the Stallion.

This national distinction recognizes her professional dedication, leadership, and decisive contribution to strengthening dialogue, strategic cooperation, and partnership between Burkina Faso and the World Bank Group, in support of the country's development priorities.

A Shared Recognition for a Strengthened Partnership

During the same ceremony, a second distinguished individual was honored for her remarkable contribution to strengthening relations between the World Bank Group and Burkina Faso, as well as for her efforts in the fight against poverty and the promotion of shared prosperity in the country. Ms. Clara Ana Coutinho de Sousa, Regional Director for the Sahel Region, was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the Stallion, in recognition of her commitment to the Sahel countries and her continued efforts to consolidate the partnership with World Bank Group institutions.

A Message of Gratitude and Renewed Commitment

In her remarks following the ceremony, Ms. Sophie Mia Carama/Kambou expressed her deep gratitude to the highest authorities of Burkina Faso for this honor, which she described as both a solemn and deeply personal moment.

"I receive this distinction with great humility and profound gratitude to the authorities of Burkina Faso for this mark of trust. I would also like to warmly thank my colleagues at the Office of the Executive Director for their constant support, the Burkinabè community in the United States for its engagement, and my parents, whose values continue to guide my work every day."

She emphasized that this distinction represents above all a call to redouble her efforts, reaffirming her determination to continue her professional commitment in support of strengthening the partnership between the World Bank Group and Burkina Faso.

"This decoration honors me, but above all, it obliges me. It encourages me to go even further in my professional commitment, in service of countries, their priorities, and a partnership that is increasingly effective and inclusive."

A Strong Symbol of Cooperation and Trust

Through these distinctions, the Burkinabè authorities sought to recognize the tangible impact of actions undertaken in support of a strong partnership based on dialogue, trust, and the pursuit of sustainable development solutions.

The Office of the Executive Director extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Sophie Mia Carama/Kambou and Ms. Clara Ana Coutinho de Sousa for these distinctions, which honor not only their individual careers, but also the collective commitment to strengthening relations between the countries of Africa Group II and the World Bank Group.