For immediate release
Sharjah, October 21, 2025
Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority assumes presidency
as WAIPA strengthens its global mandate to promote sustainable investment
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) held its annual General Assembly today in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, marking the formal start of activities around the World Investment Conference 2025 (WIC 2025).
Following a productive day of masterclasses for investment promotion agencies (IPAs), WAIPA members convened to elect the association’s new leadership for the 2025–2027 term.
The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) was elected as President of WAIPA, with Mohamed Mulla Yaqoub, Acting Director General for Business Development Affairs at KDIPA, assuming the presidency. The Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana) and Invest Korea were elected as Vice Presidents.
Regional directorships were also confirmed across WAIPA’s global membership, representing all major regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, the MENA region, South Asia, East and Southeast Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Central America and the Caribbean.
Regional directorships were voted as follows:
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) |
| MENA | Algerian Investment Promotion Agency |
| South Asia | Board of Investment Pakistan |
| East Asia & South-East Asia | vacant |
| Oceania | Invest Fiji |
| Europe | Enterprise Greece |
| Eastern Europe | Invest Cyprus |
| Central America & Caribbean | National Investment Council Honduras |
| Central Asia | vacant |
| South America | vacant |
| North America | vacant |
WAIPA Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin congratulated the newly elected President and Steering Committee, saying: “On behalf of WAIPA, I am delighted to congratulate Mr Mohamed Mulla Yaqoub and KDIPA on their election as President of WAIPA. Under KDIPA’s leadership, we look forward to building on our collective mission to strengthen the global community of investment promotion agencies, enhance cooperation across regions, and ensure IPAs are equipped to attract sustainable and impactful investment.”
Mr Mohamed Mulla Yaqoub, newly elected WAIPA President, commented: “It is an honour for KDIPA and for Kuwait to assume the presidency of WAIPA at this important juncture for global investment. We are committed to continuing WAIPA’s work in advancing collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing among IPAs worldwide. Together with the new Steering Committee, we will focus on promoting sustainable investment, supporting economic diversification and helping member agencies deliver greater impact in their countries.”
The elections took place on the eve of the World Investment Conference 2025, WAIPA’s flagship annual gathering, which officially opens tomorrow. The three-day event will bring together global leaders from government, business and international organisations to explore the future of investment promotion amid global economic transformation.
About World Investment Conference
Since its inception in 1995, WIC has been the flagship event of WAIPA, serving as a premier platform for dialogue on global investment trends. It brings together decision-makers, senior government officials, and international investors from around the world countries to examine key economic developments that affect FDI flows and explore new avenues for global cooperation and economic integration. The agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, ambassador-investor discussions, and networking activities that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
About WAIPA
With 130+ member IPAs representing over 110 nations, WAIPA serves as the primary agency promoting investment promotion and facilitation. By encouraging FDI and highlighting the role of its members, WAIPA continues to drive global economic growth and development.
For more information, please contact: Courtney Fingar, Senior Adviser – Communications, WAIPA [email protected]
