Education:
I have a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and M.A. and B.A. in Economics. This unique combination allowed me to do research in topics that are related to understanding the core setbacks confronted by developing countries. My PhD dissertation investigated the determinant and predictors of child, adolescents, and youth well-being by analysing and assessing the vulnerability and risk factors that young children are exposed to and the buffering role of social and community support in maximizing their well-being.
I have also received specialized training, in International development policy and analysis, International development and cooperation, women and international development, gender and development, relationships between groups, prejudice and social identity and concepts of sustainability, etc.
My professional career is built around a strong commitment and passion to advance inclusive development mainly in Africa with a focus on vulnerable groups such as children, youth, and women through rigorous multidisciplinary research. My training is a unique blend of economics and social psychology sharpened by field research that unveils the economic, social, and psychological support needed to improve the wellbeing of children, youth, and women in the wake of traumatic, violent, and distressful events. My work experience spans multi-laterals such as the UNWIDER, UNECA, AfDB, and think tanks with a focus on a wide range of issues affecting the development of Africa. Currently, I am the founder and CEO of the Nordic-Africa Centre for Development Research (NACDR) https://www.nacdr.fi/ where I oversee research on the psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable groups in Africa with a team of sociologists, economists, and development practitioners. NACDR’s ongoing research currently focuses on redefining vulnerability, psychosocial wellbeing of poverty, and understanding social cohesion in times of major economic, social, and health disruptions.