The African Development Bank Group has appointed Dr Anthony Simpasa, a Zambian economist, as Director of Macroeconomics Policy, Forecasting and Research, effective 1 September 2024.
Simpasa is a thought leader with over two decades of experience in academia, central banking, and international development. He has deep knowledge of Africa's development and policy landscape, leading teams on complex flagship projects, country operations, and research initiatives.
He joined the African Development Bank Group in 2011 as Principal Research Economist and has held several positions. Most recently, he served as Division Manager of Macroeconomics Policy, Debt Sustainability, and Forecasting since March 2023. From February 2022 through March 2023, he doubled as acting division manager, Macroeconomics Policy, Debt Sustainability and Forecasting, and lead economist for the Nigeria Country Department.
Simpasa has played a pivotal role in producing the annual African Economic Outlook, the Bank's flagship publication; he was also the founding Manager of Africa's Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook report, which debuted in 2023.
Before joining the African Development Bank Group, he was Manager of Market Studies in the Financial Markets Department at the Bank of Zambia, where he led efforts to enhance monetary policy implementation. He also served as a lecturer in the Economics Department at the University of Zambia and was a visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund.
Throughout his career, Simpasa has contributed significantly to policy development. He produced the African Development Bank's inaugural Country Diagnostic Note and co-led Nigeria's COVID-19 Crisis Response Budget Support. He currently leads a team of Bank staff and external experts for the flagship "Measuring the Green Wealth of Nations Natural Capital and Economic Productivity in Africa" project.
Simpasa holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa (2010), a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Botswana (1998), and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Zambia (1996).
Upon his appointment, Simpasa said: "I am greatly honored by President Adesina's mark of confidence in entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the Bank's analytical work and policy dialogue, as well as generating knowledge to support its operations. This role will accord me an opportunity to work with colleagues to reposition the Department as the center of intellectual excellence in delivering on the Bank's knowledge strategy and building its franchise value as an institution and partner of choice for advisory services and policy dialogue in Africa."
Commenting on the appointment, the President of the African Development Bank Group and chairman of its board of directors, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, said: "I am pleased to appoint Dr Anthony Simpasa as Director, Macroeconomics Policy, Forecasting and Research Department. He is a versatile and passionate applied economist with sound knowledge of Africa's socio-economic landscape, which he has gained through a career spanning more than 20 years in academia, central banking, international development, and policy research. He will play a critical role in helping to provide strategic vision, delivery and leadership on economic policy and research at the Bank Group, and to inform and shape its work with sound analysis and direction. His vast experience in leading country policy dialogue coupled with the ability to build strong partnerships and networks will be a key asset in enhancing and developing the Bank Group's knowledge profile, influence and impact."
