Hanan Morsy

Dr. Hanan Morsy serves as the Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A Cairo native, Hanan Morsy’s academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence. Holding a BSc in Economics and Computer Science from The American University in Cairo, she furthered her education at the University of California, Davis, earning a Master of Arts in Economics. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Hanan Morsy’s distinguished career includes key positions in renowned institutions. Prior to her current role, she served as the Director of Macroeconomic Policy, Forecasting, and Research at the African Development Bank (AfDB) from 2017. Her tenure at AfDB saw her spearheading crucial research on debt and gender issues, emphasizing the intricate economic challenges facing Africa. Her expertise extends to various roles at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including as Advisor to the Executive Director, contributing to fiscal affairs, the Middle East, Central Asia, European, and Monetary and Capital Markets.

At the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London, she held the position of Lead Economist for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Region from 2012 to 2017. Her contributions to major publications, including the AfDB’s African Economic Outlook 2020, underscore her commitment to addressing pressing issues such as youth unemployment and women’s access to finance.

Apart from her pivotal role at the ECA, Hanan Morsy serves as a visiting scholar at the Kennedy School at Harvard University since February 2020. She actively contributes to the academic and research community, holding positions as a member of the Board of Trustees at the London Middle East Institute and a Research Fellow at the Economic Research Forum.

In recognition of her influence and leadership, Hanan Morsy was named among the 50 most influential Egyptian women by Amwal Al Ghad in February 2020.

Named in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023, Hanan Morsy stands as a beacon of expertise and leadership. As the Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, she continues to shape economic policies and foster development across the continent. Dr. Hanan Morsy’s dedication to rigorous research, thought leadership, and building strong partnerships reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing economic transformation in Africa and beyond.