WHO’S WHO | Welcome to Virtual Capacity Development Academy

Meet the Experts Driving Our Vision Forward
Passionate Minds. Proven Excellence.

Each member of our team brings unique strengths, whether it's navigating complex challenges, shaping transformative solutions, or fostering meaningful partnerships with clients and stakeholders. We take pride not only in our professional accomplishments, but also in our culture of integrity, mutual respect, and continuous learning.

Professor URAMA Kevin Chika

Professor Kevin Chika Urama is a passionate and results-oriented Economist with over 30 years of Africa-wide and global experience in economic policy and knowledge management. He is currently Chief Economist/Vice President for the Economic Governance & Knowledge Management Complex of the African Development Bank Group. Professor Urama previously served at the Bank as a Senior Director for the African Development Institute and as Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank Group on Inclusive and Green Growth Strategy, Policy Development, and Implementation.A globally recognized Development Economist, Professor Urama is an elected Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS); a Distinguished Professor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka; an Adjunct Professor at the Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs, Murdoch University, Western Australia; and an honorary Professor of Practice at the University College London. He was an Extra-Ordinary Professor in the School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, South Africa and a Visiting Professor at the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, University College London. He is currently a member of the Global Council on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); a Commissioner for the Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance; a member of Advisory Committee of the Alliance for Modernizing African Agrifood Systems (AMAA) - a global effort of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE); a member of the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Advisory Board of the Climate-Compatible Growth Program (CCG); a CAREED Fellow at the University of Western Scotland – awarded for services to Scholarly activity in relation to economic development of Africa; member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Council on the future of clean air, among others. Before joining the African Development Bank Group, Prof. Urama served in various executive leadership positions in the...

SHOBOYEJO, Adewale Alade

Adewale Alade SHOBOYEJO is the Training Technician of the African Development Institute. He has extensive experience in training and education, instructional design, customer service, leadership, innovation, and presentation skills over the past nineteen decades. His lauded learner focused strategies give him a real-world perspective on the relevant application of brain- based adult learning methodologies.Adewale is an enthusiastic and professional Web Designer, e-Learning platform and content developer and data base management designer who enjoys being part of, as well as leading, a successful and productive team. Participate in training budget meetings, facilitate resources and coordinate events to make sure programs are achieve on budget. Coordinates all administrative and logistics matters as it relates to letter of invitation to Minsters/Governors, travel, hotels, participants reservation requirements, securing training venues, branding of venues, layout of venues, catering facilities, training program materials etc. as may be required from time to time. Monitors the development of negotiated training contracts and related service terms and conditions. Design and file training evaluation analysis after training and ensure that everyone who needs a report receives itPrior to joining the African Development Institute in 2010, Adewale was a training technician for the Joint Africa Institute (JAI) from 1999 to 2010, an Institute that comprises of three world leading Institutes (The IMF Institute, World Bank Institute and the African Development Institute) where he has demonstrated a professional leadership, technical, and soft-skills training. He initiated the design of eLearning platform for JAI in 2006. From 1994 to 1999, he has also worked in various departments in the Bank.Adewale possessed a deep technical knowledge across business systems including hardware, software, networking and change methodology, confidently give support during the preparation of Annual Meetings and provide optimal levels performance on the ground. Quick to grasp new ideas and concepts, and to develop innovative and...

Saindou Attoumane Bacar

Saindou Attoumane Bacar is a distinguished development specialist currently serving as the Principal Capacity Development Officer at the African Development Institute of the African Development Bank (AfDB). With over fifteen years of extensive experience in the development sector.Saindou has played a crucial role in shaping public administration and public finance management policies across Africa. His expertise spans various domains including macroeconomic policy, capacity development, data analysis and project management. Before joining the AfDB, he served as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Budget, and Trade in Comoros, where he led pivotal reforms in macroeconomic policies and public finance management. He played a key role in the successful negotiation of the three-year Enlarged Credit Fund Program with the IMF and the World Bank, which led to Comoros achieving the completion point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.In his current role at the AfDB, Saindou leads and participates in the design and delivery of macroeconomic and capacity development programs. He is instrumental in developing management tools and training programs in Regional Member Countries, identifying and assessing capacity needs, and providing expert technical advice on capacity building. Saindou’ s work is vital in implementing the Bank’s strategic initiatives, including the Capacity Development Strategy, the Public Finance Management Academy, the African Development Bank’s Macroeconomic Policy Management Academy for Africa (MEMA) and the African Public Debt Management Initiative, among others.Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Saindou has also made significant contributions to academia, having taught for over seven years at the University of Comoros. He has chaired as president of board at the National Authority for ICT Regulation and been a member of several boards, including, University of Comoros and Comoros Telecom, where he influenced key strategic decisions and financial and operational frameworks.

JAGANNATHAN Sheila

Sheila Jagannathan is a lifelong learner and distinguished global leader in education and capacity development with an illustrious career spanning over 35 years. As an internationally recognized thought leader, advisor, author, and advocate for transformative educational practices, Sheila has consistently demonstrated unparalleled expertise in leading comprehensive and innovative initiatives across diverse global environments. Her work focuses on open learning, digital skills, social and immersive learning, 21st century learning platforms learning analytics, knowledge management, and driving transformational change in both public and private sectors.Her 25-year tenure at the World Bank as the Global Head of the Open Learning Campus highlights her leadership in integrating cutting-edge educational technologies with strategic capacity building, adult pedagogies. Under her guidance, the World Bank implemented innovative solutions that significantly enhanced performance and productivity on a global scale for clients, demonstrating massive impact and scalability. Sheila’s strategic vision contributed to pioneering advancements in digital and blended learning, AI in learning and capacity development directly supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and facilitating impactful global partnerships.Since retiring from the World Bank in April 2023, Sheila has undertaken significant roles including Senior Advisor on capacity development at the African Development Bank and Deputy Executive Director of Strategic Relationships at Saylor Academy. These positions underscore her ongoing commitment to democratizing digital education and enhancing global educational practices through strategic advisory and leadership roles.In the rapidly evolving landscape of global education, Sheila Jagannathan plays a pivotal role in the strategic design, delivery, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up of platforms dedicated to digital skills development in emerging countries. Her efforts focus on creating scalable and sustainable learning solutions that empower disadvantaged citizens and individuals with essential digital skills necessary for the digital economy. By ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous improvement, Sheila's work not only enhances educational opportunities but also fosters long-term economic growth...

IBE Chidiebere Udeh

Mr Chidiebere Udeh Ibe is a Senior Capacity Development Officer with the African Development Institute of the African Development Bank Group. He leads the work of the Public Finance Management Academy for Africa (PFMA) in the Institute, with responsibility for capacity development in public financial management, and debt management across the 54 African countries. He is a Public Sector Governance specialist in Public Financial Management, Public Policy Analysis, Public Service Management, Public Sector Economics and Capacity Development. He has over 20 years experience working in professional accountancy services, banking and finance, private sector, public service, and international development assistance. Before joining the African Development Bank as a staff, Chidiebere was a Public Finance Management (PFM) Consultant at the Policy Management Division in the African Development Institute of the Bank Group, where he contributed to building thePublic Finance Management Academy for Africa (PFMA) as well as implementing its activities. Before this role, he had been a PFM Advisor and consultant to major international development agencies, including the World Bank, the UK-Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the United States Agency for International Development, the European Union, several international think-tanks and non-governmental organizations, and global development management firms focusing on Africa and developing countries. Other past experiences include positions of Special Assistant to the Governor and Chief Executive of Ebonyi State on grants, donors and partnerships; and Commissioner Local Government Service Commission, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He founded and provided advisory support to the Institute for Public Policy Analysis and Management (a policy think-thank) based in Nigeria. He has consulted for several governments on public sector reforms and capacity development. Chidiebere holds an MA in Public Policy and Management from the University of York, United Kingdom; MSc. Economics from the University of Lagos; and BSc. Accountancy from Abia State University, Nigeria. He has had professional training...

HUGHES Victoria

Ms. Victoria Hughes is a seasoned organiser with solid organisational capabilities, with over 42 years’ work experience, of which more than 40 at the African Development Bank.  The experience that she has built up over the years, plays a major part in her ability to organise events, overcoming any issues that may come up.  Her strong analytical and solution-providing abilities, help her analyse situations at hand and find best possible solution.  She is also a strategic team player who works at building strong relationships with stakeholders.  Being client-oriented ensures the client is satisfied and willing to come back.  Her sense of responsibility bears in mind the importance of my work, which is part of the bigger picture.  She has worked in about 9 departments across the Bank. Ms. Hughes holds an MBA from the School of Management, University of Leicester, UK.

GROGA Dissrohi Sylvie Odette

Groga Sylvie is Ivorian, she joins ECAD department as a Team Assistant starting august 1, 2024.She has been with the Bank for 2 years at the TCVP complex as a team assistant of the Bank's Business Continuity Unit.Prior to joining the Bank, she worked in Côte d'Ivoire and Morrocco for 10 years.she was in charge of administrative and project management as well as support to senior executives in private sector compagnies.

Dr. OGUNLEYE Eric Kehinde

Dr. Eric K. Ogunleye is the  Director of the African Development Institute. He was previously the Division manager of the Policy Management Division of the African Development Institute and Advisor to the Vice President and Chief Economist of the African Development Bank. He has almost 20 years of progressively responsible, practical and demonstrable hands-on experience as macroeconomist, development economist, M&E specialist, public governance and regulatory reform expert, policy advisor and project director and manager. His work experiences span all research and policy advisory divides: international development; private sector; public sector; non-governmental institutions; and academic. Previously, he served as a Special Assistant (International Trade and Finance) to the President of Nigeria, Special Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to the President of Nigeria and Technical Adviser (Policy and Planning) to the Honorable Minister of Budget and National Planning in Nigeria. He was a core member of the team that prepared the Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. Earlier, he worked in key global institutions that include UNCTAD, UNU-WIDER, World Trade Organization, and African Center for Economic Transformation. Eric holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Ibadan through the prestigious AERC collaborative PhD. Program and a Bachelors (first class honours) in Economics.

DR. ALOLO ALHASSAN, Namawu

Dr. Namawu Alhassan Alolo is the Division Manager of Knowledge Management and Information Services  of the African Development Institute, African Development Bank Group. She is  a seasoned development practitioner with over 18 years of international experience in developing corporate strategies and policies, building capacities on operational programming, designing and implementing development projects, as well as teaching and research. With a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Birmingham, she led the development of two of the Bank’s three sovereign financing instruments, notably, the Bank Group Policies on Program-Based Operations (PBOs) and Results-Based Financing (RBF). The RBF instrument was the first in 30 years to be added to the Bank’s menu of financing options for sovereign operations.Dr. Namawu A. Alolo has also played a central role in developing and implementing several key policy initiatives and innovative approaches for the Bank, such as the innovative framework on Multi-Tranche Financing (MTF) – the first of its kind in the Bank’s 60 years of operations.Dr. Namawu A. Alolo has an established track record of effectively engaging Governments in high level policy dialogue, catalyzing policy change in a variety of challenging economic and political settings and supporting development initiatives through innovative project design. As a Country Portfolio Officer in the Sudan Country Office, for example, she coordinated the entire portfolio of 21 lending and non-lending operations close to half a billion dollars. She has led numerous development initiatives in diverse country settings, ranging from transition states like Sudan and Liberia to large and fast-growing economies like Egypt and Nigeria.  Prior to joining the African Development Bank Group in 2007, she worked as a Research Associate for the University of Birmingham and acted as an adviser on anti-corruption initiatives for Transparency International. She undertook substantial research on governance issues for international organizations, such as the International...

Dr. Adeleke Oluwole Salami

Dr. Adeleke Oluwole Salami is a distinguished development economist with an extensive background in economic policy, development finance, and strategic planning.  He is currently Chief Capacity Development Officer-Macroeconomist at the African Development Institute, African Development Bank. Prior to joining the Bank, he was a Senior Lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.He served the University, among others, as the Head of the Department of Economics and a member of the University Senate. He participated in several interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects that have culminated in publications in several refereed journals. In all, he has over 100 publications to his credit. Adeleke Salami also worked in the Agribusiness Department of Lever Brothers PLC (Now Unilever, PLC) in Nigeria on contract in 1988 and World Bank-Assisted Ondo State Agricultural Development Project in 1990. Adeleke Salami has consulted on economic development and public finance issues to many organizations, including UNICEF, the European Union, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank (AfDB).He obtained a B.Sc., M.Sc, and  Ph.D. Agricultural Economics degrees from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.  He has had professional Executive Education courses at Harvard University, USA; Imperial College London, UK; University of Cambridge, UK; University of Pretoria, South Africa; Wageningen University, The Netherlands; and International Monetary Funds, Washington, USA.His professional affiliations include the Nigerian Economic Society, the African Association of Agricultural Economists, the International Association of Agricultural Economics, the American Economic Association, the Western Economic Association International, the African Finance and Economics Association, and the National Economic Association (USA). His research interests include public finance, agricultural policies and food security, poverty issues, and development economics.He is also a member of Junior Chamber International, where he served in various roles, including JCIN National Vice President (1997). He was recognized as JCIN Nigeria Outstanding Chapter President (1995), awarded JCIN Ambassador (1996), and inducted...

Dr Njeri Wabiri

Dr Njeri Wabĩri is a Principal Capacity Development officer at the African Development Institute, African Development Bank. Wabĩri undertakes Capacity Development Coordination Monitoring and Evaluation, including task managing the public service delivery index and providing technical review of Capacity development and support to the office of the Director of the African Development Institute.Wabiri contributed substantially to developing the Bank Capacity Development Strategy and the Bank Board Capacity Development Strategy (2021-25); she has over 20 years of experience in knowledge synthesis and sharing for policy decisions within the African continent capacity development to assist national institutions in generating and using strategic information for policy change in health, food systems, education, and data integration. Previous stint in research and development with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa, and the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), South Africa. A former Research Associate in the Macroeconomics Program of the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR) in Kenya and a former lecturer at the University of Cape Town and the University of Limpopo, South Africa.She has published work in the field of socio-economic inequality and health outcomes mapping and health policy. Previously consulted for the IOM, United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics (UNU-WIDER), the Global Fund, and Twende Mbele Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Culture Project. A member of the DELTAS AFRICA sub-Saharan Consortium for Advanced Statistical Capacity Development in Africa.Wabiri holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Statistics), MBA (Executive Management) from the University of Cape Town South Africa, South Africa, a Master of Science (Mathematical Statistics) and a bachelor’s degree in education science both from Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya.

Daniel Yeboah-Forson

Mr. Daniel Yeboah-Forson , Capacity Development Officer, African Development Institute, African Development Bank Group. Mr. Daniel YEBOAH-FORSON is a Project Management Professional and Public Financial Management (PFM) Expert in the Policy Management Division of the African Development Institute (ADI) of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He is currently co-task managing the PFM Academy of the ADI and RDTS T.S.F. Pillar III projects in fragile states to enhance staff capacity. Prior to joining the African Development Bank, he held various positions at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in Ghana, where he focused on tax and revenue policy, project management, debt management, project financing, financial and economic modelling, monitoring and evaluation, project supervision, portfolio review, public finance, in-country dialogue, and aid coordination. While in MoF, he also provided cross-ministry support to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies in project management. Daniel served on various fiscal and monetary committees, including Open Market Operations, Forex and Treasury committees at the Bank of Ghana and Cash and Revenue Management committees at the MoF. His work in ECAD and MoF has provided him with a unique opportunity to understand the political economy and complex environment in managing operations in states in transition with very weak institutions. He was an adjunct lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra-Ghana, from 2014 to 2017, and he has also been a fellow at the Center for Development Economics at Williams College, Massachusetts, USA. He holds an M.A. in Policy Economics from Williams College (USA), an MSc. in Industrial Mathematics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Mathematics from the University of Cape Coast. He holds Post Graduate Executive Certificates in Public Policy Analysis and Steering Complex Projects from the London School of Economics and the University of Cambridge, respectively. He is a Project Management...

Meet the Experts Driving Our Vision Forward Passionate Minds. Proven Excellence.

Meet the Experts Driving Our Vision Forward
Passionate Minds. Proven Excellence.