Prof. Momodou Mustapha Fanneh
Leading Economist & Development Strategist | Renowned Educator & Policy Advisor
Professor Momodou Mustapha Fanneh is a highly accomplished economist and a pivotal figure in West African academia and policy development. With a robust educational background encompassing a Ph.D. in Economics from Fordham University, an MBA from Rutgers, and an M.Sc. in Economics from the University of Southampton, Professor Fanneh brings a wealth of knowledge in international trade, monetary economics, and finance.
As an Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of The Gambia since 2012, he has been instrumental in shaping the minds of future leaders, teaching a wide array of graduate and undergraduate courses including International Economics, Project Management, Advanced Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Financial Economics. His dedication to academic excellence is further demonstrated through his extensive role as a supervisor for numerous PhD, MSc, and BSc theses, guiding impactful research on topics ranging from economic growth and income inequality to public health and sustainable development.
Beyond the classroom, Professor Fanneh is a prolific researcher and consultant, with a significant body of work addressing critical socio-economic issues in The Gambia and the wider West African region. His research focuses on areas such as the impact of foreign aid, climate change, economic growth, and the effectiveness of public policies. He has also played a crucial role in developing and implementing several new academic programs at the University of The Gambia, demonstrating his commitment to institutional growth and capacity building.
Professor Fanneh’s practical experience extends to high-level policy advisory roles. He has served as a Senior Transport Planner/Economist for the Gambian government, contributing to national transport plans and telecommunication laws. His expertise is highly sought after by various organisations, leading to numerous consultancies for entities like UNFPA, WFP, and Action Aid, where he has advised on vital issues such as sustainable higher education financing, climate-conflict interlinkages, and gender analysis in development projects.
A recognised leader in various committees and boards, including the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, Professor Fanneh combines academic rigour with practical policy insights, making him an invaluable asset for organisations seeking to navigate complex economic landscapes and drive sustainable development. His commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals and his extensive contributions to both research and policy solidify his standing as a leading expert in the region.