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. 

Chief Economist, Africa, World Bank Andrew Dabalen during a conference on October 18, 2018. 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 a decade, a journey that began in Kenya. 

While he was born in the country, his parents moved to Washington DC, where he attained his education. He took economics for his undergraduate degree.

The economist cum scholar holds a Master's degree in International Development and a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Resource Economics, both from the University of California. 

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, labor 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 2011 as a Lead 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, Practice Manager for Poverty and Equity in the South Asia Region.

World Bank offices in Washington DC, USA.  FILE