Role: Advisory Board Member

Profile Summary:
Dr. Aidara is a distinguished economist with over three decades of experience in economic governance, development policy, and institutional leadership. He has held high-profile roles at the Open Society Foundations (OSF) ( serving as Deputy Executive Director ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where he spearheaded transformative initiatives across Africa. His expertise in governance, fiscal reforms, social impact strategies, and poverty alleviation strengthens CRA Global Development’s commitment to driving sustainable economic development in emerging markets.

Professional Experience:

1. Open Society Foundations – Africa Office (2013–2024):
   • Deputy Executive Director (2022–2024):
     • Oversaw strategy development, social impact investment, and special initiatives across Africa.
     • Successfully led the transition of OSIWA into the One Africa Foundation, managing staff integration and legal restructuring.
   • Executive Director of OSIWA (2019–2022):
     • Delivered strategic leadership for governance, anti-corruption, and resource mobilization programs.
   • Manager, Economic Governance and Development Program (2013–2019):
     • Led initiatives in fiscal reforms, taxation, public resource governance, and climate resilience.
2. United Nations Development Programme (2010–2013):
   • Country Economist, Senegal:
     • Conducted economic analyses and supported national policy formulation and aid coordination.
     • Advocated for human development concepts and resources mobilization.
3. Oxfam America – West Africa Regional Office (2006–2010):
   • Regional Extractive Industries Program Coordinator:
     • Designed and implemented governance strategies for extractive industries.
     • Managed grant-making, advocacy, and capacity-building programs across multiple countries.
4. Consumers International – Regional Office for Africa (2002–2006):
   • Public Utilities, Economic and Trade Policy Officer:
     • Managed research programs on trade, poverty, and consumer protection.
     • Coordinated regional advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.
5. Ministry of Finance, Economic and Planning, Senegal (1999–2002):
   • Head of Section, Planning Department:
     • Contributed to the design and implementation of Senegal’s National Economic and Social Development Plan.
6. Ministry of Family, Social Action, and National Solidarity, Senegal (1991–1999):
   • Head of Planning, Research, and Training Division:
     • Pioneered initiatives for women’s economic empowerment and gender-focused development programs.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Economics – Université de Dakar (2013)
  • Dissertation: Debt, Economic Growth, and Poverty in Senegal: 1970–2007
• Certificate in Multidimensional Poverty Index and Human Development Index – Oxford University, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (2011)
• Master in Economics – Université de Dakar (2000)
• Master in Development Studies – University of Louvain La Neuve, Belgium (1997)
• Certificate in Population, Human Resources, and Development – Institut de Développement Économique et de Planification, Dakar (1995)
• Bachelor in Applied Economics – École Nationale d’Économie Appliquée, Dakar (1990)

Key Skills and Expertise:

• Economic governance and fiscal reform.
• Strategic leadership in social impact investment and development programs.
• Policy development in public resource governance, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation.
• Advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.

Achievements:

• Successfully developed and implemented the One Africa Strategy for OSF, a comprehensive framework for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
• Coordinated pivotal governance reforms across Africa, particularly in the extractive industries and fiscal policy sectors.
• Recognized for advancing gender-focused development initiatives and empowering vulnerable communities.

Dr. Aidara’s strategic vision, wealth of experience, and dedication to social and economic progress position him as an invaluable asset to CRA Global Development’s advisory board. His contributions will guide the organization’s efforts to promote impactful and sustainable development across emerging markets.