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Dr. Ezra Suruma, former minister of finance, planning and economic development for Uganda, has joined Brookings as a distinguished visiting fellow, Brookings President Strobe Talbott announced today.
Suruma joins the Africa Growth Initiative, part of the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings, where he will focus on governance in African political and financial institutions and their impact on stability and economic growth.
“Dr. Suruma has been a champion for financial reform and economic development in Uganda,” said Kemal Derviş, vice president and director of the Global Economy and Development program. “His addition to the Africa Growth Initiative strengthens our already prominent group of experts leading high-quality research into African development issues.”
Suruma is currently the senior presidential advisor on finance and planning in Uganda. He has a long career in government and the private sector, having previously served as secretary for economic affairs of the Uganda National Resistance Movement Secretariat, chairman/managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank, and director of research and deputy governor of the Bank of Uganda. Suruma was awarded “Finance Minister of the Year” in 2008 from The Banker (Financial Times, UK) for his role in overseeing high growth in Uganda while minimizing inflation.
Suruma holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Connecticut and an M.A. in economics and B.S. in finance from Fordham University. Prior to his government and private sector work, Suruma was a professor of economics and management science, teaching at Makerere University in Uganda and Florida A&M University.
“We are delighted to have Ezra Suruma join our team at Brookings,” said Ernest Aryeetey, senior fellow and director of the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings. “His leading policy experience and economic expertise will be critical to our efforts to expand the African voice on research supporting growth and development in Africa.”
The Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings conducts high-quality policy research and analysis focused on attaining sustainable economic development and prosperity in Africa, while amplifying the voice of African experts in policymaking and planning.
About Brookings
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to conduct in-depth, nonpartisan research to improve policy and governance at local, national, and global levels.
