Hadizatou, an MBA graduate from the University of Maryland and holding advanced degrees in development economics and business administration, is an expert in finance and operational risk management with a strong background in international development. She began her career in Washington, DC, working with NGOs and in the private sector, including as a senior program manager for USAID projects. Since joining the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2009, she has held various roles, including budget management and program oversight for Southern Africa. She has also served as vice-president and treasurer of the staff council, contributing to institutional reforms. With a certification in Women's Leadership from eCornell, she is active in promoting women's empowerment, climate change, and cybersecurity in Africa. In 2021, she founded the NGO "Fonds de Solidarité" to support flood victims in Niger and, since 2023, has been involved with the Women Investment Club - Côte d'Ivoire, leveraging her two decades of experience to assist women entrepreneurs.