Key skills and expertise

With over 14 years of experience, the expert is a seasoned Development Economist specializing in international development with a focus on agricultural research and policy in Africa. They have successfully managed projects totaling over UA 170.76 million, significantly contributing to agricultural productivity, agri-SME development, and market linkages. Proficient in SAP, COSTAB, and various statistical software, the expert has led pivotal initiatives, including the mid-term review of the Feed Africa Strategy. Career highlights include mobilizing US$ 18.2 million in grants and organizing high-level summits on food security. Background includes leadership roles at the African Development Bank and FAO.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and the Africa Growing Together Trust Funds, focusing on agricultural value chain development and resource mobilization. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, and evaluations. They have managed and contributed to regional and national projects across various African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Angola, Malawi, and Ghana, emphasizing increased agricultural productivity, agri-SME development, and market linkages.

Sectors and geographic focus

Bringing extensive experience across sectors such as rural development, food security, humanitarian aid, poverty reduction, food processing and safety, and agriculture, the expert has held roles like Principal Agricultural Economist, Senior Agricultural Economist, and Agricultural Statistician. They have managed projects and contributed to strategic initiatives, with interdisciplinary expertise in agricultural productivity, agri-SME development, and infrastructure in rural development. The geographic scope of their work spans multiple African countries, where they have led projects and policy dialogues to enhance regional agricultural and economic development. The expert has deep familiarity with regional development issues, having managed significant agricultural projects and contributed to policy dialogues across countries including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, the expert possesses excellent reading, writing, and speaking skills. They have good proficiency in French, used in professional settings such as multilingual teams and international projects. Additionally, they are proficient in Akan, utilized in local and regional contexts within their professional engagements across various African countries. The expert holds a Ph.D. in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa, and a Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ghana. Additionally, they have a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Ghana and a Postgraduate Certificate in Investment Appraisal & Development Project Planning from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom. They are also a Certified Expert in SME Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Germany.