Vera Songwe, a distinguished economist and policy leader, has emerged as a advocate of African excellence on the global stage. Currently a Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution, she also serves as Chair of the Board for the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, a game-changing initiative aimed at boosting liquidity in emerging markets. Her role as Co-Chair of the Food System Economics Commission underscores her commitment to addressing global food security through innovative policy tools and evidence-based solutions.
Songwe’s previous tenure as an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) saw her make history as the first woman to lead the institution in its 60-year existence. At ECA, she championed the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and spearheaded initiatives such as the Digital Centre for Excellence and the African Women’s Leadership Fund, an impact-driven investment vehicle supporting African women fund managers.
With her roots firmly planted in Africa’s growth agenda, Songwe’s expertise spans fiscal policy, innovative financing, and macroeconomic stability. Her illustrious career at the World Bank included roles such as Lead Economist and Regional Director for West and Central Africa, where she directed transformative programs in countries like Senegal, Cape Verde, and The Gambia. She played a key role in mobilizing $49.3 billion in concessional financing for low-income countries through the International Development Association’s (IDA) 16th replenishment, showcasing her ability to deliver groundbreaking results for global economic development.
As the founder and chair of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, Songwe has focused on creating viable carbon markets and fostering sustainable economic growth in Africa. Her leadership in climate finance through the High-Level Panel on Climate Finance highlights her dedication to ensuring Africa remains a pivotal player in global environmental initiatives. Her work extends to agriculture, where she co-coordinated the World Bank’s response to the food price crisis, and energy policy, demonstrating her multidisciplinary approach to development challenges.
Vera Songwe’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including being named among Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women (2020) and Jeune Afrique’s 100 Most Influential Africans (2019). She was also listed as one of the “Top 10 Female Business Leaders in Africa” by the African Business Review and one of the “25 Africans to Watch” by the Financial Times. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Mathematical Economics from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium and dual BAs in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan.
