Zainab Usman

About the Author

Zainab Usman is a distinguished scholar and policy expert specializing in African political economy, with a focus on resource-dependent economies and development strategies. Holding advanced degrees in economics and international development, she has served as a senior fellow at leading think tanks, including the Center for Global Development, where she analyzes the interplay of politics, institutions, and economic reforms in sub-Saharan Africa. Usman's research illuminates the challenges and opportunities in transitioning away from oil dependency, offering nuanced insights into governance and sustainable growth. Her seminal work, Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy (Politics and Development in Contemporary Africa), has become a cornerstone text for understanding Nigeria's economic trajectory and broader African development dynamics. Through her writing and advisory roles, Usman bridges academia and policy, advocating for inclusive economic policies that foster resilience and equity across the continent.