During a three-day visit to Africa, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said Africa is a "top priority." He said he was "deeply committed to the growth and success of Africa."

During a three-day visit to Africa, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said Africa is a "top priority." He said he was "deeply committed to the growth and success of Africa."

Kim's visit started in Ivory Coast and ended in South Africa. It was his first trip overseas since being appointed head of the World Bank.

Kim's visit to Africa is being seen as the start of a new era in the relationship between the World Bank and the African continent, and as a sign that the World Bank's view of Africa is gradually changing.

“I believe that the World Bank is beginning to understand that there more opportunities than risks in Africa,” said Ralf Wittek, West Africa regional director of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, in an interview with DW.

The World Bank president selected two important African economies for his trip. Ivory Coast accounts for 40 percent of the African continent's economic performance. This makes it the continent's second largest economic power. The country which witnessed a bloody power struggle in December 2010, now has become relatively calm.

Experts hope that Jim Yong Kim's visit to Africa will enhance the relationship between the World Bank and the African continent.

After 20 years of misguided development policy, says Ralf Witteck, the World Bank should cast aside its idea of acquiring influence by “scattering a large sum of money and granting generous credits.”

Jim Yong Kim's announcement that the next United Nations conference on the financing of development cooperation is to be held in Ivory Coast, boosts hopes of a lasting improvement in the relationship between the World Bank and Africa. Up to now, the conference has always been held in Washington.