MAMOUD KAMARA
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Accomplished development economist and strategic leader with extensive experience in public economics, international development, and fiscal policy across governments and multilateral institutions. Expert in economic analysis, monetary policy, infrastructure development, and public sector budgeting. Proven track record managing complex country programs, leading cross-functional teams, and advising senior policymakers. Adept at translating economic theory into practical solutions, with a strong background in Africa, the U.S., and global development contexts. Core strengths include policy formulation, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program management. Recognized for effective leadership, clear communication, and success in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
External Board Member, Monetary Policy Committee
Bank of Sierra Leone (Central Bank)
05.2023 - Current
- Contribute to formulation of monetary and credit policy aimed at maintaining price stability and supporting economic growth.
- Analyze economic indicators, inflation trends, and financial sector data to inform interest rate decisions.
- Voted in favor of three consecutive interest rate hikes (July, September, December 2023) to combat inflation and stabilize the macroeconomic environment.
- Provide policy advice to the government on financial and economic matters.
- Communicate monetary policy through public statements, speeches, and reports, maintaining transparency and public confidence.
- Uphold strict ethical standards, ensuring independence and avoiding conflicts of interest.
- → Key Metric: Headline inflation hit a single digit of 9.38% in April 2025, from 13.78% in December 2024 and 20.91% in September 24 reflecting broadly the impact of domestic policies and subdued global prices.
Chief Strategy Officer & Partner
Eden Infrastructure
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Led strategic planning, capital mobilization, and investment negotiations for infrastructure development across Africa.
- Secured funding for major projects including:
- $12M flour mill in Sierra Leone (agriculture & economic development)
- $35M Maitama Real Estate Project in Nigeria (urban development)
- Initiated $60M investment opportunity for Sierra Mining Company (resource development)
- Ensured ESG-aligned investment strategies and stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors.
- Conducted macroeconomic analysis and market assessments to guide investment decisions.
- Advised on monetary policy tools and supported policy formulation by reviewing economic models and inflation trends.
- → Key Metric: Total approved projects in 2 years’ worth over $100 million and engaged over 150 stakeholders in Ministries, Departments and Agencies and in the Private Sector across different sectors.
IsDB Representative – Nigeria & Niger Republic and Cameroon
Islamic Development Bank
10.2018 - 03.2022
- Managed country portfolios and led the Nigeria and Cameroon Country Portfolio Performance Review Note (CPRN), improving project implementation efficiency.
- Designed and implemented the 2019 Annual Work Program and the 2021–2023 Medium-Term Integrated Work Program.
- Provided high-level policy advisory support, preparing statements and notes for IsDB’s engagements with government stakeholders and international institutions.
- Led initiatives in agriculture and community resilience, including the Borno Agro-Food Value Chain and Jigawa Integrated Agriculture Project.
- Supported the development of the IsDB Group Cooperation Framework with Africa and organized IsDB Governor Forums.
- Oversaw restructuring of key education projects, such as the Bilingual Education Program across nine states.
- Strengthened multilateral partnerships and contributed to financing frameworks, including the Humanitarian Diaspora Sukuk.
- → Key Metric: Managed over 60 projects worth $3 billion in Nigeria, Niger Republic and Cameroon covering public sector financing, Private Sector Operations and Trade Financing Operations. An additional 2.1 billion in business and new insurance guarantees.
Country Manager
Islamic Development Bank
09.2012 - 09.2018
- Oversaw strategic planning and implementation of the 2016–2018 Three-Year Work Program, achieving over 75% execution.
- Revitalized country engagement with Nigeria, securing increased financing and deeper collaboration.
- Facilitated project approvals under the Special Program for the Development of Africa (SPDA) (2013–2016), achieving a 74% utilization of the indicative financing envelope.
- Co-led flagship initiatives such as the Morocco Trade Competitiveness Study and the Morocco Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) Economic Memorandum.
- Enhanced IsDB’s visibility and policy influence in member countries through high-level diplomacy and portfolio performance improvement.
- → Key Metric: The SPDA was a US$12 billion program with US$4 billion from the IsDB Group and US$8 billion from other partners to support economic and social infrastructure development.
Economic Development Consultant
The World Bank
05.2005 - 08.2010
- Key Metric: Authored chapters on the status of decentralization in 19 countries to determine the extent of fiscal, administrative, and political decentralization, and The Sourcebook: “Agriculture Sector Programs.”
- Key Metric: Co-Authored Policy and Institutional Reform in Agriculture: “Best Practice Cases”. Analytical survey of economic reforms, regulatory framework & administrative practices.
- Key Metric: Provided research & analytical input on various studies in West Africa on rural development & natural resources management.
Education
Ph.D. - Economics – Concentration: Development Economics
Howard University
Washington, DC05.1999
Master of Arts - Economics – Concentration: Public Sector Economics
Howard University
Washington, DC1991
B.Sc. - Economics – Concentration: Quantitative Methods
University of Sierra Leone
Freetown, Sierra Leone12.1980
Skills
- Economic development planning
- Development Finance & Investment Project Financing & Infrastructure Development Capital Mobilization Development Financing Public-Private Partnerships Investment Strategy Financial Modeling
- Research & Analysis Macroeconomic Analysis Economic Research Market Assessment Evaluation of Multilateral & Bilateral Programs
- Technical Tools EViews (Econometric Views) SAS Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Sectoral Expertise International Development Government Relations Private Sector Development Multilateral Institutions
Accomplishments
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
Publications
Titles available upon request.
Affiliations
- American Economic Association
- United Nations Foundation
Certification
- [Area of expertise] License - [Timeframe]
Languages
Arabic
Limited Working
French
Limited Working
Interests
- Sharing recipes, cooking tips, and culinary experiences through blogs and social media platforms
- Food justice advocate, working to address food insecurity and promote access to healthy, affordable food
- Food Blogging
- Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency
Timeline
External Board Member, Monetary Policy Committee
Bank of Sierra Leone (Central Bank)
05.2023 - Current
Chief Strategy Officer & Partner
Eden Infrastructure
01.2022 - 12.2024
IsDB Representative – Nigeria & Niger Republic and Cameroon
Islamic Development Bank
10.2018 - 03.2022
Country Manager
Islamic Development Bank
09.2012 - 09.2018
Economic Development Consultant
The World Bank
05.2005 - 08.2010
Ph.D. - Economics – Concentration: Development Economics
Howard University
Master of Arts - Economics – Concentration: Public Sector Economics
Howard University
B.Sc. - Economics – Concentration: Quantitative Methods
University of Sierra Leone
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