James Cust

James Cust is a senior economist based in the Office of the Chief Economist, Africa Region at the World Bank. He leads the Changing Wealth of Nations program. He specializes in the economics of natural resource management, climate, and sustainable development. James’ research examines the role of government in harnessing natural resources for growth and poverty reduction, and the implications for resource-rich countries from global decarbonization. He also convenes the Chief Economists of Government initiative, a peer network of chief economic advisors to forty African presidents. They meet regularly to discuss pressing policy questions such as the economic response to COVID-19 and how to accelerate economic transformation in their respective countries. James holds a DPhil (PhD) in Economics from the University of Oxford.