Peter Watson

Biography

Dr. Watson is an experienced manager of projects and people, with over thirty years’ experience in the economic development business with a focus on the inter-relationships between infrastructure and business. He has excellent conceptual, people management and negotiation skills and a unique ability to blend the public and private dimensions in development projects. He is used to negotiating, facilitating and mediating at the highest levels. As the former World Bank Director of Infrastructure and Energy for Africa, he was responsible for all aspects of infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa, covering roads, railways, ports, urban transport, energy, water supply and sanitation and urban development, including the technical, institutional and financial aspects. This familiarity is combined with substantial experience in the areas of private sector development and trade and investment promotion, notably in the combination of public and private contributions to infrastructure projects. His experience in the private sector gives him a unique insight into how private companies approach privatization and what they seek in developing a partnership with the public sector. He has written extensively on development and infrastructure issues.