Rita Babihuga-Nsanze currently serves as the Chief Economist and Director of Research and Strategy at the Africa Finance Corporation, playing a pivotal role in advancing private sector-led infrastructure investments throughout Africa. Since its establishment in 2007, the AFC has successfully deployed c.$13 billion into critical infrastructure assets, aiming to accelerate development impact across the continent. Rita's research interests primarily revolve around the essential role of the private sector in driving economic growth and development in Africa. Her work involves reimagining growth and development models and dimensioning the "African risk premium" that has contributed to capital shortfalls for investment on the continent. She is particularly focused on the intricate interplay between climate considerations and economic development in Africa and has recently authored policy papers addressing Africa's pragmatic pathway to achieving net-zero emissions and unlocking its carbon market potential. With an extensive background as a global macroeconomist and sovereign credit expert, Rita's expertise spans various roles within the financial industry. She previously held the position of Head of Sub-Saharan Africa macro research at Barclays Investment Bank in London. Before that, she made significant contributions to credit ratings for numerous sovereign and supranational issuers across Africa and Europe during her tenure at Moody's Investors Service. Rita also brings invaluable experience from her time at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where she began her career. During a three-year secondment to the Bank of England, she provided essential insights and expertise on global financial stability issues, particularly during the post-crisis period when the Bank was reshaping its prudential and regulatory framework. Her contributions included periodic insights to the Financial Policy Committee and co-authoring the annual Financial Stability Report.
