About Us
The Office of the Chief Economist in the Africa Region provides guidance on strategic priorities and generates timely, relevant knowledge on policy and institutional reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It produces research articles and reports on pressing development issues, disseminates knowledge widely, provides inputs that enrich the World Bank’s work in African countries, and fosters a strong community of economists within the World Bank and on the continent to advance the region’s development.
Our work revolves around four pillars:
- Knowledge Generation: We seek to bring the best possible knowledge to bear on policy and institutional reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa through the production and oversight of research articles and reports on the most pressing development issues facing the continent.
- Knowledge Outreach: We provide regular opportunities for leading researchers and policy makers to interact, debate and discuss research and policy issues relevant to economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. We also engage with university students and the general public through virtual and in-person events and discussions to raise awareness of pressing issues and crowd-in fresh ideas and viewpoints.
- Linking Knowledge to Operations: We guide the production and implementation of the World Bank’s development strategy for the Africa Region. In addition to producing analytical and advisory products, and providing inputs to lending operations, the Chief Economist supports World Bank country office teams by chairing reviews of country analytical products and hosting policy dialogues.
- Building Capacity: Through our initiatives and fellowship programs, we collaborate and partner with governments, think tanks, and academic institutions in Africa to facilitate economic development of the region.
