GoldenWoman.org Correspondent
The intersection of academic prowess and real-world application is where true economic progress is born, and Dr. Jane John Mpapalika is a shining example of this dynamic. From her beginnings in Tanzania, she has emerged as a pivotal player in Africa’s socio-economic development, applying over 11 years of expert knowledge in policy analysis and socio-economic research to drive meaningful change. Her mastery of macro-econometric modeling, economic forecasting, and policy simulation has positioned her as a key contributor to national and regional economic strategies.
Her story is a powerful testament to the role that education, determination, and a passion for economic development can play in transforming lives and societies. This feature story delves deep into Dr. Jane John Mpapalika’s life and career, exploring her professional achievements, the impact of her work across Africa, and her ongoing commitment to creating a prosperous future for the continent.
The Early Years and Academic Foundations
Born in the mid-1980s, Dr. Mpapalika’s early years were marked by a strong sense of purpose and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She pursued her undergraduate studies at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Her coursework laid the foundation for her interest in policy analysis, monetary economics, and public finance, becoming the cornerstone of her future work.
Her academic journey didn’t stop there. Determined to broaden her horizons and equip herself with advanced tools for economic analysis, she enrolled at the University of Leeds Business School (LUBS) in the UK, where she obtained her Master of Arts in Economics. Her time at Leeds was transformative, as it was here that she gained deep insights into comparative economics, applied econometrics, welfare economics, and cost-benefit analysis. This academic foundation and her innate intellectual curiosity prepared her to tackle some of the most pressing economic issues facing African nations.
The pursuit of academic excellence led Dr. Mpapalika to South Africa, where she completed her PhD in Economics at the prestigious University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Her doctoral research focused on sovereign risk management and financing instruments, critical for developing nations’ economic stability and growth. Her PhD studies also afforded her the opportunity to work as an Assistant Researcher at the School of Economics and Business Studies, where she honed her research skills, assisted in teaching, and gained hands-on experience in economic research.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Mpapalika distinguished herself as a scholar with a keen interest in practical solutions to economic challenges. Her work during these formative years laid the foundation for the extraordinary career that was to follow.
Breaking Ground: A Career Dedicated to Economic Development
Dr. Mpapalika’s professional journey began in earnest when she returned to Tanzania and joined the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) as a Research Fellow in 2018. In this role, she carried out socio-economic evidence-based research aimed at influencing policymaking decisions. Her work at ESRF was pivotal in shaping her understanding of the interconnectedness between economic theory and policy implementation. She conducted research on critical issues such as natural gas discoveries, the socio-economic impacts of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and household perceptions of these developments in Tanzania’s southern regions.
Her time at ESRF was marked by a commitment to translating academic research into actionable policies. Dr. Mpapalika’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice quickly earned her a reputation as a thought leader in Tanzania’s economic development circles. Her research focused not only on macroeconomic stability but also on inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reached all segments of society, particularly marginalized communities.
In 2019, Dr. Mpapalika’s expertise and growing influence on the national stage caught the attention of international organizations, leading her to a prestigious position as a UN Young Professional at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During her tenure at UNECA, she was responsible for conducting socio-economic research on a continental scale, modeling and forecasting economic scenarios for African member states. Her work provided critical insights into the economic governance of the continent, and she played a key role in shaping policies that addressed the challenges posed by global economic shifts, regional integration, and the need for sustainable development.
Dr. Mpapalika’s time at UNECA allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the economic challenges facing Africa as a whole. She worked on projects that dealt with pressing issues such as the economic impacts of climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Her contributions to these projects helped to inform policymakers across the continent and provided them with the tools they needed to make informed decisions about the future of their economies.
Returning Home: Leadership at REPOA
In 2021, Dr. Mpapalika returned to Tanzania to take on a senior role at REPOA, one of the country’s leading economic and social research organizations. As a Senior Researcher in the Collaborations and Capacity Building (CCB) Department, she supported the Director in executing strategic research projects that would influence policymaking at the highest levels of government.
At REPOA, Dr. Mpapalika continues to build on her previous work, focusing on issues such as gender mainstreaming in research and innovation, labor market indicators, and national development frameworks. She was instrumental in shaping Tanzania’s economic policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing technical support to government ministries and advising on strategies to protect both lives and economies during this unprecedented global crisis.
One of Dr. Mpapalika’s most significant contributions during this period was her work on Tanzania’s National Monitoring & Evaluation Framework, a key tool for ensuring that government policies were effectively implemented and that their impacts were measured. Her expertise in macroeconomics and econometrics allowed her to develop models that provided policymakers with accurate forecasts and simulations of policy outcomes, helping the government navigate the pandemic’s complex economic landscape.
Dr. Mpapalika’s role at REPOA also saw her take on leadership positions in several key national and international organizations. She became a member of the Steering Committee of the Integrated High-Frequency Labor Force Survey National Strategy, and she was invited to serve on the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Research Review Committee. Her contributions to these organizations have had a lasting impact on Tanzania’s economic governance and policy development.
A Continental Leader: Shaping Africa’s Economic Future
While Dr. Mpapalika’s contributions to Tanzania’s economic development are significant, her influence extends far beyond the borders of her home country. Over the years, she has become a key figure in the development of economic policies across Africa, working with international organizations such as the World Bank, the African Union, and the United Nations.
Her work on Africa’s Economic Governance Reports (EGR), the UNCTAD LDC report, and the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report has helped shape African nations’ economic strategies as they strive to achieve the SDGs and Agenda 2063. These reports provide critical insights into African countries’ economic performance, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities they face in an increasingly globalized world.
Dr. Mpapalika has also been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of women and marginalized communities in Africa’s economic development. She has worked on projects that focus on gender mainstreaming in research and innovation, and she is a strong proponent of gender-transformative approaches to economic policy. Her commitment to ensuring that women are not left behind in Africa’s economic growth has earned her widespread recognition, including being named one of the “Top 30 Rising Women in Tanzania” by The Citizen newspaper in 2023.
Recognitions and Awards: A Career Marked by Excellence
Dr. Mpapalika’s outstanding contributions to economic research and policy development have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has received numerous awards and accolades that highlight her impact on the field of economics, both in Tanzania and across Africa.
In 2022, the Institute of Certified Chartered Economists (ICCE) in the United States honored her with the “Most Influential Young Economist in sub-Saharan Africa” award. This prestigious award recognized her groundbreaking work in sovereign risk management and her contributions to the economic development of African nations.
Her recognition as one of the “Top 30 Rising Women in Tanzania” in 2023 further cemented her status as a leading figure in the country’s economic development. This award highlighted her professional achievements and her role as a mentor and advocate for women in economics.
In addition to these honors, Dr. Mpapalika has participated in numerous professional training programs and conferences that have expanded her knowledge and skills. She completed the World Bank’s Trade and Climate Change Certificate program in Italy in 2024 and received training in natural resource management at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government in 2022. These experiences have allowed her to stay at the forefront of economic research and policy development, ensuring that her work remains relevant and impactful.
A Thought Leader and Scholar: Publications and Research
Throughout her career, Dr. Mpapalika has made significant contributions to academic research, authoring numerous papers, reports, and policy briefs that have had a lasting impact on the field of economics. Her work has been published in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Development Economics, the Journal of Risk and Financial Management, and the Journal of Public Health in Africa.
Her research covers a wide range of topics, from sovereign risk management to the economic implications of climate change. She has also co-authored reports on issues such as educational inequalities, the impact of COVID-19 on economic performance, and the role of private sector investment in Africa’s green transition.
She is co-authoring a paper on the macroeconomic implications of foreign currency debt in African countries with fellow economist Dr. George Kweka. This paper provides valuable insights into the risks and opportunities associated with foreign debt in developing economies and offers practical recommendations for managing these challenges.
Dr. Mpapalika’s contributions to the field of economics are not limited to academic research. She has also worked closely with international organizations to produce reports informing the highest-level policymaking. Her work on Afrobarometer’s dispatches, for example, provides critical data on public perceptions of issues such as climate change, gender equality, and government performance, helping policymakers to make informed decisions that reflect the needs and concerns of their citizens.
Looking to the Future: A Vision for Africa’s Economic Transformation
As Dr. Mpapalika continues her work at REPOA and beyond, her vision for the future of Africa’s economic development remains clear. She is committed to using her expertise to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous continent where economic growth benefits all segments of society.
Her work on gender mainstreaming, climate change, and sovereign risk management will continue to play a critical role in shaping Africa’s economic future. As a thought leader, mentor, and advocate for change, Dr. Mpapalika is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years, inspiring a new generation of economists and policymakers to follow in her footsteps.
In a world of increasingly complex economic challenges, Dr. Jane stands out as a beacon of hope and a force for positive change. Her journey from Tanzania to the global stage is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and a deep commitment to the betterment of society. Dr. Mpapalika’s story is one of transformation—not just for herself but for the millions of people whose lives are touched by her work. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in economics, her legacy as a Golden Woman of Africa will only continue to grow.