Designing sustainable technology-driven solutions to challenges in government with the constraints that exist in emerging economies can be a daunting task.
This session will explore how innovation, technology and creativity is helping the Nigerian government to solve complex economic policy challenges, and how specific programs have faired through political transitions and the electoral cycle.
SPEAKER: Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, is currently Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment. She served in the previous Presidential Administration from November 2015 to May 2023, first as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment, and then as Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business. Since July 2016, she and her team have facilitated the mandate of the PEBEC from ideation to implementation of impactful reforms for MSMEs. Under her watch, Nigeria moved up an unprecedented 39 places in the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings and was twice recognized as a top ten reformed economy in three years.
Dr. Oduwole is on loan to the federal government from Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Nigeria. While an M-RCBG Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Jumoke is interrogating the role of businesses in strengthening ongoing government reforms.
GUEST: Taiwo Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Ease of Doing Business & Investment will join virtually for the session.
Taiwo is the Chief Operating Officer of the PEBEC Secretariat, driving key reforms for improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria, and has built his career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and finance. PEBEC to date has championed over 180 reforms across 53 Ministry, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Previously, Taiwo led the design and implementation of large-scale financial intervention schemes targeting micro and small enterprises at the Bank of Industry ‘s Growth Platform – Africa’s most prominent public sector-focused fintech platform. He is also a partner at Passion Incubator, where he advises early-stage startups on how to structure and scale their business.
This in-person study group / discussion is open only to HUID holders. Registration is not necessary.
M-RCBG welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs. To request accommodations or ask questions about access provided, please email: mrcbg@hks.harvard.edu
Speakers and Presenters
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFRM-RCBG Senior FellowSpecial Adviser to the President of Nigeria
Taiwo Ajetunmobi
Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Ease of Doing Business & Investment