Kenyan-born economist, Andrew Dabalen, is the new World Bank Africa Region Chief Economist.
Dabalen, who assumed office on July 1, replaced Albert Zeufack, who was named Country Director for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, Burundi, and Sao Tome and Principe.
In his new role, Dabalen will be charged with developing economic studies in the region that will shape the implementation of development projects funded by the World Bank.
"The Chief Economist is responsible for providing guidance on strategic priorities and the technical quality of economic analysis in the region," stated the World Bank on its website while making the announcement.
Dabalen's selection was based on his prowess in success in the fight against poverty guided by scholarly research. He has worked with World Bank for over two decades, a journey that began in Kenya.
He obtained his early education in the country, before moving to America to pursue his undergraduate degree in New York State.
The economist cum scholar attained his master’s degree in International Development from the University of California - Davis, and a doctor of Philosophy PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California - Berkeley.
He then took up research in global economics and has published scholarly work which has been referenced by other intellectuals across the world.
"His work focused on poverty and social impact analysis, inequality of opportunity, program evaluation, risk and vulnerability, labour markets, and conflict and welfare outcomes," reads his World Bank profile.
Among his publications is 'Sources of the persistent gender wage gap along the unconditional earnings distribution: findings from Kenya' which he published in January 2013.
He joined the World Bank in 1999 as an Economist and has served in various capacities including Senior Economist in the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia Region.
In addition, he worked as a Lead Economist and Practice Manager for Poverty and Equity in Africa and most recently, as Practice Manager for Poverty and Equity in the South Asia Region.
