Harare - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zimbabwe is pleased to announce its new Resident Representative, Dr. Ayodele Odusola. Dr. Odusola presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Frederick Shava, on 17 November 2023. 

Dr. Odusola is a Nigerian national with over 20 years of experience in development. He joins UNDP Zimbabwe from South Africa, where he served as the UNDP Resident Representative and inaugural Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub. In this latter capacity, he led UNDP’s pioneering efforts towards the future of development in Africa. 

Prior to South Africa, Dr. Odusola was Chief Economist and Head of the Strategy and Analysis Team for UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA), where he coordinated economic, social and environmental dimensions of development in Africa. He led the preparation of regional flagship reports for RBA, as well as strategic policy notes and occasional policy papers in areas such as fiscal space, youth employment, value chain development, renewable energy, and climate change. 

Dr. Odusola is a prolific author with more than 100 publications in books, journals, policy briefs, and technical reports, including *Africa's Agricultural Renaissance: From Paradox to Powerhouse, (Palgrave Macmillan 2021). He has also worked in the Presidency of Nigeria, consulted for various organizations including the IMF (African Visiting Scholar 2002), the World Bank, the Global Development Network, and the World Institute of Development Economic Research. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 

In his new role, Dr. Odusola looks forward to working with the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate the country's development journey. He is particularly keen to support Zimbabwe in its efforts to develop and expand renewable energy options, support re-engagement and debt resolution efforts, contribute to building resilient and sustainable systems for health, and invest in sustainable, climate-smart agricultural practices.