The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Dr. Eric Kehinde Ogunleye as the Director of the African Development Institute, recognizing his extensive expertise in macroeconomics, capacity development, and policy advisory across Africa.
Dr. Ogunleye, a Nigerian national, brings nearly two decades of experience to his new role. His career spans various critical areas including macro and development economics, public governance, regulatory reform, and policy advisory.
Prior to his appointment, he served as the Officer in Charge of the African Development Institute and Manager of the Institute’s Policy Management Division. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the Bank’s Capacity Development Strategy (2021-2025), focusing on initiatives like the Public Finance Management Academy for Africa and the Macroeconomic Management Academy for Africa.
Under Dr. Ogunleye’s stewardship, the African Development Institute has significantly enhanced institutional capacity building through initiatives such as the Fiduciary Clinics, which now cover 20 country portfolios annually. His efforts have bolstered the quality of the Bank’s operations and portfolios in Regional Member Countries, fostering sustainable development and economic stability across the continent.
One of his notable achievements includes the launch of the Public Finance Management Academy for Africa in December 2022. This groundbreaking initiative introduced an 18-month structured training program aimed at enhancing public financial and debt management capabilities. Over 145 public officials from 45 African countries have since been trained, contributing to strengthened governance and fiscal management capacities continent-wide.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Dr. Ogunleye’s leadership extends beyond capacity building. He has been pivotal in forging global, continental, and regional partnerships to support technical assistance projects in macroeconomic modeling and policy dialogues. These initiatives aim to address entrenched and emerging development challenges, positioning the African Development Bank as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
Before joining the African Development Bank, Dr. Ogunleye held prominent roles including Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on International Trade and Finance. He also served as a consultant in the Nigeria Country Department of the Bank Group, where he played a crucial role in coordinating macroeconomic analysis and supporting diverse development projects.
His academic journey includes significant contributions as a Research Fellow at the African Center for Economic Transformation and as a Doctoral Researcher at the United Nations University’s World Institute for Development Economics Research. Dr. Ogunleye has also contributed to policy research and socio-economic policy evaluation, notably influencing Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Academic Achievements and Credentials
Dr. Ogunleye holds a PhD and MSc in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, complemented by a BSc in Economics from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. He has further enriched his academic portfolio with a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced Program on Rethinking Development Economics in Africa and an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard University.
Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Dr. Ogunleye emphasized his commitment to advancing institutional capacities in African countries. He acknowledged President Akinwumi A. Adesina’s confidence in his capabilities and pledged to continue supporting the Bank’s mission with dedication and excellence.
President Akinwumi A. Adesina lauded Dr. Ogunleye’s appointment, highlighting his strategic leadership and expertise in delivering impactful capacity development programs. He expressed confidence in Dr. Ogunleye’s ability to leverage global partnerships and drive comprehensive capacity development initiatives that benefit all regional member countries.
Dr. Eric Kehinde Ogunleye’s appointment as Director of the African Development Institute heralds a new chapter in enhancing Africa’s economic capabilities and fostering sustainable development. With his visionary leadership and extensive experience, Dr. Ogunleye is poised to steer the Institute towards greater heights, contributing to the Bank’s overarching goal of inclusive growth and prosperity across Africa.
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