Welcome to the Economic and Social Research Foundation’s (ESRF) 30th Anniversary Celebration! As we mark three decades of impactful research and community engagement, we invite you to explore our journey, achievements, and future aspirations.
Since 2012, the ESRF has established a tradition of engaging research and policy actors in Tanzania and beyond through a series of conferences called “national conferences”. These high-level meetings provide space for the ESRF and its partners to discuss some important topics with the government and other players within the research and policy eco system in Tanzania. These conferences are usually framed around some relevant themes/topics, chosen for that year. The meetings are tagged “national conferences” because of their explicit focus of informing national policy agenda. The niche for these meetings is to inform national macro-economic policy agenda primarily through national development vision or medium-term development framework i.e. National Five Years Development Plans.
Photo Gallery
Welcome to the ESRF Photo Gallery, where we celebrate 30 years of groundbreaking research, impactful events, and memorable moments. Our gallery features snapshots from key events, milestones, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that have shaped our journey. Explore the photos that tell the story of our past, present, and future.
Highlights from Our 30-Year Journey
1. Founding Moments
Explore images from the early days of ESRF, capturing the vision and dedication that laid the foundation for our three decades of research and impact.
2. Milestone Events
Relive the significant events and conferences that have marked our history. From major symposiums to community outreach activities, these photos highlight the key moments in our journey.
3. Distinguished Speakers
Meet the thought leaders and experts who have shared their insights at our events. Browse photos of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops featuring some of the most influential voices in economic and social research.
4. Community Engagement
See how we’ve connected with communities, policymakers, and researchers. Our gallery showcases the dynamic interactions and collaborative efforts that drive our mission forward.
5. Celebratory Highlights
Enjoy photos from our anniversary celebrations, including special events, receptions, and gatherings. These images capture the excitement and camaraderie of marking 30 years of achievement.
Share Your Memories
We invite you to share your own photos and memories from our events and activities. Use the hashtag #ESRF30Years on social media to join the celebration and connect with others who have been part of our journey.
Dr. Philip Mpango, The Vice President of Tanzania during the 30th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation
Various Events during the 30th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation
Various Events during the 30th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation
Various Events during the 30th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation
Various Events during the 30th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation
Various Events during the 30th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation
8th NATIONAL CONFERENCE
21st October 2024
Venue: Johari Rotana Hotel
“Celebrating Three Decades of Research Excellence in Tanzania: How ESRF’s Evidence Informed Policy Making Transformed Tanzania’s Policy Framework and Practices”
Now that the Foundation is marking 30 years of service, it is critical that the institution celebrate the achievements, successes and impact made in Tanzania and beyond. The conference therefore aims at creating a space for this celebration and a forum for reflecting on the past, present and the future.
Objectives of conference.
The major objective of the conference is to celebrate ESRF’s role on catalysing national development process through its contribution to evidence informed policy making processes. Specifically, the conference will have the following objectives: –
- To shed light on the establishment of the ESRF in terms of background, rationale and positioning (e.g. peculiarities of ESRF) within national research and policy econ ecosystem.
- To reflect on some of the major works implemented by the ESRF in the past and their impact on policy making and development processes in Tanzania.
- To reflect on current realities facing the ESRF including its relevancy to policy and planning processes, opportunities for growth and further work and challenges.
- To demonstrate by way of a presentation, a research project implemented by the ESRF and its relevancy to national planning processes in Tanzania.
- To reflect the space of ESRF in informing policy, planning processes in the future.
- To discuss the rationale for promoting diversification, equity and inclusion in research and policy making processes.
Mode of the conference
Implementation of the conference will be mostly characterized by paper presentations, plenary discussions as well as panel discussion sessions. These will be complemented with poster presentations.
There shall be a keynote address to be delivered by reputable authority with significant knowledge on the analysis of growth and development.
The presentation from the keynote shall make a deep delve in illustrating the importance of accelerating growth as an important objective in Tanzania’s development journey after 2025.
The Guest of honor
H.E Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, The Vice President of the United Republic
of Tanzania, will be the guest of honor at the 30th anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), highlights the significance of research in shaping national policy and development strategies. His presence at the event underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in addressing economic and social challenges in Tanzania and beyond.
Conference Speakers Welcome to the Speakers page of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) as we celebrate 30 years of impactful research and dialogue. Over the past three decades, ESRF has been at the forefront of addressing critical economic and social issues through rigorous analysis and thoughtful discussion. Our speakers are a testament to the foundation’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Celebrating 30 Years of Expertise and Insight As part of our 30th-anniversary celebrations, we are thrilled to highlight the distinguished speakers who have contributed to our mission. These individuals represent a diverse range of expertise and experience, bringing valuable perspectives on economic and social research that shape policy and drive progress.
Featured Speakers
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Mr. Philemon Luhanjo, Chairperson, ESRF Board of Trustees |
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Prof. Kitila Mkumbo , The Minister President’s Office Planning and Investment |
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Dr. H. Bohela Lunogelo: With over 40 years of experience in research and advisory roles, he served as the Executive Director of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, he strengthened ESRF’s team and expanded partnerships with academic institutions and think tanks across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
After his ESRF tenure, Dr. Lunogelo continued to contribute to major projects, including the review of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025, review of the third National Anti-corruption strategy and action plan (NACSAP III) and formulation of fourth National Anti-corruption strategy and action plan NACSAP IV in 2022. He has served on various boards, including TANTRADE, the Institute of Finance Management, and Sokoine University’s School of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies. Dr. Lunogelo holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of London and a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Rural Development) from Sokoine University of Agriculture. |
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Dr. Mursali Milanzi is a prominent figure in Tanzania’s economic and development planning. He serves as the Commissioner for National Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Planning. His role involves overseeing key national projects, particularly those aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2025. This includes addressing the country’s energy needs, where he emphasizes the importance of private sector investment to meet the target of 5,760 megawatts of power generation by 2025.
Dr. Milanzi also advocates for greater private sector involvement in the country’s infrastructure and development goals, particularly in the energy sector. |
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Dr. Josaphat Kweka is currently the Founder CEO and Lead Consultant at Talanta International, an Advisory and Policy Research firm based in Tanzania. He is also a Senior Research Associate with ESRF and REPOA. With nearly three decades of professional experience, Dr Kweka has extensive knowledge of the Tanzania and East African economies and has worked on a range of policy issues and Advisory work, including Trade and Regional Integration, SME and Private Sector Development, Tourism Economics and SEZs. He has worked for various Organisations; and undertaking advisory work for the various MDAs within and outside Tanzania. He worked with TradeMark Africa as Country Director for Tanzania; and before as Senior Economist with the World Bank, and Senior Researcher with ESRF. He also taught Economics at the University of Dar es Salaam. Dr Kweka holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Nottingham (UK); and MA and BA from the UDSM. |
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Prof. Jehovaness Aikaeli is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Dar es Salaam. He has extensively researched and published in the areas of finance (public & private), labour market and employment, efficiency, productivity and growth. Aikaeli has been a consultant to several domestic and international organizations. He has been consulted in the areas of trade policy analysis, regional integration, private sector development, finance and investment, macroeconomic modelling, and public finance, among others. Aikaeli teaches Advanced Macroeconomics, Finance and Investment, Monetary and Financial Development, Public Sector Economics, Trade Theory and Policy. |
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Prof. Samuel M. Wangwe holds a Ph.D. from the University of Dar es Salaam (1980), an MA in Economics (1973), and a BA in Economics and Statistics (1972), all from the University of Dar es Salaam. He has authored eight books, including Exporting Africa: Technology, Trade and Industrialization in Sub-Saharan Africa (1997), and has co-edited a forthcoming book, Transitional Economic Policy and Policy Options (1998), with Dr. H. H. Semboja and Dr. P. Tibandebage.
In addition to his books, Prof. Wangwe has published over 40 articles, addressing topics such as “Economic Reforms and Poverty Alleviation,” “The Management of Foreign Aid in Tanzania,” and “Capacity Building in Policy Analysis and Economic Management.” He also co-authored Managing Tanzania’s Economy in Transition to Sustained Development with Prof. B. Ndulu. With more than 20 years of experience in policy research and consultancy, Prof. Wangwe has made significant contributions in both academic and policy-related fields. |
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Prof. Fortunata Songora Makene is the Executive Director of the Economic and Social Research Foundation. She is an expert in development sociology, gender, and social protection. She has extensive experience in academic and policy research, rooted primarily in sociology, but incorporates elements of law and anthropology. She has worked on research and policy work on social protection and human rights, socio-economic reforms, advancing gender equity, women and girls’ economic empowerment and leadership, children’s rights to education and health, and urbanization. Prof. Makene has taught at Worcester State University and Clark University in the USA and was the Head of Research and Policy at UONGOZI African Institute of leadership (where she also co-designed the Women in Leadership Programme). She is a member of the National Advisory Committee on Generation Equality Forum to promote Economic Justice Rights, in Tanzania |
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Monica Hangi is an innovative thinker and an engaging leader, with remarkable achievements. She is a knowledgeable trade and development expert with 16 years of experience in strategic leadership & governance, planning and implementation of trade facilitation initiatives in the East African region and delivering revolutionary solutions in partnership with Governments and agencies from the private sector.
A results-driven individual with a strong delivery record; experienced in strategic networking, fundraising, and in donor & stakeholder management. A dynamic leader with experience in strategy development, team management, and in managing political dynamics and engagements for robust programming and delivery. Also, very instrumental towards informed decision-making with strong problem-solving skills. Currently working with TradeMark Africa (TMA) as a Regional Director for the East and Central Africa. TradeMark Africa is an aid-for-trade organisation that supports growth and prosperity in Africa through increased trade, as, overseeing programme delivery in 6 countries. |
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Dr. Josephine Rogate Kimaro is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau (PDB), where she leads strategic initiatives under Zanzibar’s President. She focuses on technical assistance, inter-agency coordination, strategic financing, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks for key sectors such as the Blue Economy, Infrastructure, Social Services, and Tourism. Her leadership was crucial during her time as Acting Head of the PDB, driving transformative projects across Zanzibar.
Dr. Kimaro has extensive experience as a Capacity-Building Advisor, Monitoring and Evaluation Expert, and Organizational Development Consultant for local and international organizations. Her consultancy work spans the private, public, and civil society sectors. She holds a PhD in Public Management, a Master’s in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s in International Relations, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Poverty Analysis. Dr. Kimaro also chairs and serves on various boards, including the Tanzanite CEOs Roundtable-Zanzibar Chapter, contributing to governance and sustainable development. |
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Marianna Balampama,– Deputy Regional Director, Pact |
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Dr. Jaah Mkupete, J-PAL African Scholar & Lecturer of Economics, UDSM |
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Ms. Caroline Nyuguto, – Regional Research Engagement Manager, Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA).
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Issa Shivji is Professor Emeritus at the University of Dar Es Salaam where he taught Public Law for 36 years before retiring in 2006. Prof Shivji was the first and founding professor of Mwalimu Nyerere Professorial Chair in Pan-African Studies, 2008-2013 (Kigoda Cha Mwalimu Nyerere).
He was the founding Director of Nyerere Resource Centre, 2013-2019 (Kavazi La Mwalimu Nyerere) established at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). He has been a Visiting Professor to a number of Universities in the Global South. Professor Shivji has authored over a dozen books and numerous journal articles, as well as contributed chapters to various edited volumes on a wide range of development and human rights topics. He has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates and has received several national and international accolades. His most recent work, co-authored with two colleagues, is a three-volume biography of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere titled Development as Rebellion: A Biography of Julius Kambarage Nyerere. |
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Mr. Zakayo Zakaria is a research fellow and Monitoring and Evaluation Expert at the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) and a PhD student in Economics at the University of Dar es Salaam. He is also a research fellow in the Impact Evaluation Laboratory at ESRF and a CEGA EASST Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley in Fall 2023. Zakayo manages several program evaluations at ESRF, including national-scale field experiments on public health misinformation and service delivery. He has extensive experience on designing and managing M&E systems for programs and institutions. His expertise includes developing frameworks, methodologies, and tools to assess and improve program effectiveness and impact. |
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Prof. Constantine Manda is the IE Lab’s Director but also an IE researcher and trainer in Tanzania and across the continent with about nine years of experience. Prof. Manda has been involved in both experimental and quasi-experimental work in Tanzania including large, multi-million dollar randomized experimentally-evaluated in Tanzania in collaboration with the Innovations for Poverty Action, the government of Tanzania, and researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Virginia which was published in August 2019 at the Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Constantine has instructed on impact evaluation at the University of Dar es Salaam’s Economics Department, the African School of Economics, and at the ESRF as pre-cursor training sessions to the IE Lab. Constantine has also guest-lectured on development economics at Nairobi’s Strathmore Business School and on African politics at Yale University. Constantine is also a co-founder of the Network for Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) which was founded by former Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) EASST Fellows, to which Constantine was among the first cohort of Fellows in the Fall of 2012 at the Economics Department of the University of California, Berkeley advised by Oxfam Professor in Environmental and Resource Economics and CEGA Faculty Director, Edward Miguel. |
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Ambassador John Ulanga,Board Member, ESRF |
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Ms. Vivian Kazi is a Senior Researcher and Head of the Strategic Research and Publications Department at the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), where she has worked for over 20 years. Her expertise spans policy formulation, research baseline surveys, and evaluation studies across sectors such as agriculture, gender, education, microfinance, private sector development, and trade.
Ms. Kazi serves on various government and non-governmental boards and committees, including the current Vice Chair of the Board of Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) and the Vice Chair of the Industrial Advisory Committee of the Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre (EASTC). She is also the Tanzania Node Coordinator for the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), hosted by ESRF. Her recent work includes evaluating the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025 for the Ministry of Finance and collaborating on research with the China Agricultural University. Ms. Kazi holds an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Statistics from the University of Dar es Salaam, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Policy and Poverty Analysis. |
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Dr. Suma Kaare is a Team Leader for the Technical Assistance Project of the European Union Funded Gender Sector Budget Support Programme in the Ministry of Community Development Gender, Women and Special Groups in Tanzania. She holds a PhD in public sector management from the University of Canberra in Australia.
She is a policy analyst and advisor; a researcher; an academic, trainer and senior consultant in social development. She has provided technical advice to a variety of clients including governments, international public institutions, private sector and civil society organizations in Australia, and East and West Africa. Suma has held leadership positions in government, private sector and civil society institutions. She has published articles in local journals and co-authored in books. She is a poverty research award winner (REPOA) and an academic delivery innovation awardee (IFM). Suma is a mother to her son engineer Timothy Maarwa Kaare. |
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Dr. Bugwesa Zablon Katale is the Director of Research Coordination and Promotion at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). Previously, he served as a Principal Research Scientist at Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute. Dr. Katale holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, an MSc in Medical Parasitology, and a PhD in Epidemiology of Tuberculosis.
He has also engaged in postdoctoral research supported by the Wellcome Trust, focusing on the genomic epidemiology of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance through the SACIDS-ACE Centre of Excellence under the World Bank. Currently, Dr. Katale is a European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnerships (EDCTP) fellow, researching on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Tanzania. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors at the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania Livestock Research Institute, Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Ifakara Health Institute, and the Board of Governors at ICGBE and EDCTP. |
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Flora Myamba, Ph.D. is a Senior Specialist and the Executive Director for Social Protection and Gender, based in Tanzania. She leads the Women and Social Protection Tanzania as Founding Director. She has over 17 years of experience in research, evaluations, trainings, and development of policies in social protection, gender, and women’s economic empowerment in Tanzania, Africa and beyond. She is a Master Trainer for TRANSFORM Leadership Training on Social Protection Floors for African Governments. She collaborates and consults with local and international organizations and sits in multiple R&D advisory boards.
She has over 40 publications in local and reputable International Journals including Oxford Development Studies, Cambridge University Press, Global Social Policy, and African Development Review. She was part of the TDV 2025 Evaluation team lead by the ESRF and is part of the Technical Team for the preparation of the G20 recommendations in 2024, among other local and global engagements |
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Salma Emmanuel is an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, currently pursuing her PhD in Energy Economics. She holds an MA and a BA in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam. Her research interests include environment, energy, gender and development economics, with a methodological focus on field experiments in developing countries. Her current work examines how media interventions influence public attitudes and drive social change in areas such as environmental protection, adoption of renewable energy, combating human trafficking, and reducing gender-based violence.
Salma is a 2023-24 recipient of the World Bank Robert McNamara Fellowship, hosted by the World Bank Development Impact Group (DIME), and a beneficiary of the NORHED II PhD scholarship. She serves as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI on multiple projects. Her research has received support from JPAL, Evidence in Governance and Politics (EGAP), ESRF, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and OPM. |
Introduction
Founded in 1994, ESRF has been dedicated to advancing economic and social research to drive informed decision-making and foster societal progress. Over the past 30 years, our foundation has evolved into a leading institution, influencing policies and practices that shape our world
Strategic Partnerships
ESRF’s success is built on strong partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. These collaborations have been key to our research and outreach efforts.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are excited about the future of economic and social research. ESRF is committed to continuing its mission with a focus on innovation and societal impact.
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8th NATIONAL CONFERENCE
“Celebrating Three Decades of
Research Excellence in Tanzania: How ESRF’s Evidence Informed Policy Making
Transformed Tanzania’s Policy Framework and Practices”
21st October 2024, Johari Rotana Hotel, Dar es
Salaam
| Time | Activity | Responsible person(s) |
| 07.00 – 08.50 | Arrival, Registration and Tea/Coffee | Registration desk/All |
| 08.50 – 09.00 | Arrival of the Guest of Honour | Mr. Phillemon Luhanjo
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ESRF |
| 09.00 – 09.10 | Introduction of Invited Guests (In Groups) | Mr. Danford Dango
Head, Governance & Capacity Development Department |
| 09.10 – 09.15 | Remarks by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner | Hon. Albert John Chalamila
Regional Commissioner – Dar es Salaam |
| 09.15 – 09.30 | Video Documentary | All |
| 09.30 – 09.40 | Welcome Remarks | Prof. Fortunata Makene
Executive Director, ESRF |
| 09.40 – 10.00 | 1st Keynote Address Linking Social and Industrial Sectors in Tanzania: Insights from ESRF research and implications for National Development Vision 2050 |
Prof. Samuel Wangwe Founding Director, ESRFPrincipal Research Fellow, ESRF |
| 10.00 – 10.10 | Remarks by ESRF’s Board Chairperson & Inviting the Minister of State |
Mr. Philemon Luhanjo Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ESRF |
| 10.10 – 10.30 | 2nd Keynote Address The role of think tanks in policy and planning process in Tanzania.Inviting the Guest of Honor |
Prof. Kitila Mkumbo Minister of State, President’s Office, Planning and Investment |
| 10.30 – 10.50 | Recognition of ESRF staff and partners | Master of Ceremony |
| 10.50– 11.10 | Opening address | His Excellency Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania |
| 11.10 – 11.20 | Photo session | Photographer/Master of Ceremony |
| 11.20 – 12.20 | The role of research excellence and leadership in the preparation of Tanzania Development Vision 2050: A moderated Panel Discussion Session and Q&A |
Moderator: Dr. Josaphat Kweka Lead Consultant and CEO, Talanta International  Panelists:
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| 12.20 – 13.20 | A reflection of ESRF work: The Past, Present and Future: A moderated Panel Discussion Session and Q&A |
Moderator: Dr. Suma Kaare; Technical Advisor, Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children Panelists:
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| 13.20 – 14.30 | Lunch and Exhibitions | All |
| 14:30 – 15.30 | Strengthening research in informing policy processes in Tanzania: A moderated Panel Discussion Session and Q&A |
Moderator: Prof. Jehovaness Aikaeli, Professor of Economics, School of Economics, UDSM. Panelists:
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| 15.30 – 16.45 | Locally Grounded Research: Advancing Equity in Global Research: Empowering LMIC Researchers to Inform Policy. A moderated Panel Discussion Session and Q&A |
Moderator: Ms. Caroline Nyuguto Regional Research Engagement Manager, Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA). Panelists:
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| 16.45– 17.00 | Wrap up and closing | All |
| 17.00 – 18.30 | Refreshments and Networking | All |