Safiatou Diallo

GM, Regional Economic Development & Strategy Rio Tinto

Safiatou Diallo leads Rio Tinto’s regional economic development and strategy for the Simandou Project in Guinea- one of the world’s most significant mining developments. She works to ensure the project creates shared value through infrastructure, local enterprise growth, and partnerships that foster sustainable investment and regional transformation. With over 20 years of experience across government, economic development, and strategic advisory roles, Safiatou has supported policy reform, investment promotion, and institutional capacity building in Africa. She previously served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Guinea and held senior roles at the Tony Blair Institute and the World Bank. A Fulbright alumna with advanced degrees in economics and public policy, Safiatou is committed to shaping investment models that combine commercial success with long-term socio-economic impact- positioning mining as a catalyst for industrialization and inclusive growth.