9th Annual Forum On The IMF Regional Economic Outlook For Sub-Saharan Africa

Join us for a timely conversation on how Africa can navigate global uncertainty through reform, regional trade, and resilient economic leadership.

Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

*virtual doors will open at 6:25 PM

This is the link to the report that will be discussed.

Panelists:

Dr. Felix Várdy, Senior Economist, African Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Felix Várdy is a Senior Economist in the Regional Studies Division of the IMF’s African Department, where he analyzes macroeconomic and structural developments across sub-Saharan Africa. He previously worked in the Monetary and Capital Markets Department and in the IMF’s Institute for Capacity Development. An applied game theorist by training, he has taught at the University of California, Berkeley, and at Princeton University, and his research has appeared in the American Economic Review, the Journal of Political Economy, and the Journal of Economic Theory and others

Dr. Letisha Malcolm, Founder, The Collaborative for Leadership, Policy, Advocacy & Global Exchange

Dr. Letisha Malcolm is a Jamaican-American (Nigerian Descent) educator, policy advisor, and global affairs professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in education, diplomacy, and international development. She serves as Ambassador of Global Education and Vice President of Education & Exchange for Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) and is the Founder of The Collaborative for Leadership, Policy, Advocacy & Global Exchange.

Her international work includes a Fulbright fellowship in Ghana, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, conducting policy research during World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings, and leading cross-cultural educational and leadership exchanges in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Dr. Malcolm builds partnerships with governments, nonprofits, and multilateral institutions to advance education, governance, and global engagement.

She holds a Doctorate in Administration and Social Policy, a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard University, a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Shenandoah University, and a Bachelor’s in Humanities from Bethune-Cookman University.

Hanan Awel, Consultant, International Development and Policy

Hanan Awel is a consultant specializing in international development and policy, currently supporting strategic initiatives at the World Bank. Her work focuses on donor engagement, public–private partnerships, and advancing development outcomes. Previously, she served at USAID, where she led strategic partnerships and policy efforts centered on African development and U.S.–Africa relations. Hanan has supported high-level engagements at global forums including the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, the UN General Assembly, and the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings. She brings experience working with government agencies, multilateral institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen development cooperation. She graduated from Duke University with a dual-bachelor's degree in Public Policy and Global Health and received her master's degree in Public Administration from George Mason University.

Moderator:

Semilore Olatunde, Vice President for Business and Economic Development, BPIA.

Semilore Olatunde is an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School with interests in social impact and economic development. He previously worked at McKinsey & Company and the McKinsey Global Institute, advising global clients and publishing research on inclusive growth. He currently serves as the VP of Business and Economic Development at BPIA and has served on BPIA’s Executive and Professional Development Committees. At HBS, he co-leads the Social Enterprise Club and is active in the African Business Club. Semilore graduated from Howard University, DC with degrees in Economics and Biology. He enjoys good music, insightful discussions, and adventures with friends.