Theodore Ahlers

Head of Global Trade and Competitiveness Practice; Director of Middle East and Africa, Centennial Group

Theodore Ahlers is an economist with extensive experience in Europe & Central Asia, the Middle East & North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Over the last 25 years, he held numerous economist and senior management positions at the World Bank, including Strategy and Operations Director for Europe & Central Asia (2007-12), Maghreb Department Director (2002-07), and Strategy and Operations Director for Africa (2000-02). He holds a PhD in Development Economics from Tufts University, Fletcher School.

Areas of Expertise:

Growth and global competitiveness

Economic policy analysis and advice

Development strategy

Past Experience:

World Bank – Director of Strategy and Operations, Europe & Central Asia Region

World Bank – Director of Strategy and Operations, Africa Region

World Bank – Director for the Maghreb, Middle East & North Africa Region

World Bank – numerous management and economist positions

Key Advisory Engagements

Emerging Markets Forum

African Development Bank

World Bank

Japanese International Cooperation Agency

West African Development Bank (BOAD)