Nigerian documentary photographer and visual storyteller Tolani Alli has officially joined the World Bank, where she will be working with the institution’s leadership team to shape the global narrative around development, impact, and progress through visual storytelling.
This new role follows her tenure as Executive Digital Storyteller to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), where she was responsible for documenting the Bank’s work across multiple African countries. Over the years, her photography has highlighted policy implementation, leadership moments, and grassroots transformation efforts across the continent.
Before joining AfDB, Tolani served as the official photographer to the Oyo State Governor and later became one of the few women to work closely with Nigeria’s Presidency in a visual storytelling capacity. Her work has spanned both local and continental institutions, often focusing on humanising leadership and documenting change.
Tolani’s appointment at the World Bank reflects an increasing recognition of the role of African creatives in shaping how global development is represented. With over a decade of experience, she has built a strong portfolio rooted in capturing stories of resilience, governance, and social progress.
Announcing the news on Instagram, she described the move as “a continuation of purpose,”; expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to “a broader global mission”; through her storytelling lens.
At the World Bank, Tolani will be contributing to efforts aimed at spotlighting global development issues such as poverty reduction, sustainability, and equity, using her photography to document the stories and stakeholders behind key initiatives.
