Prof. Leonard Wantchekon awarded Global Economy Prize at the Institute of the World Economy 

The Global Economy Prize is awarded to pioneers of a cosmopolitan, economically liberal, and public-spirited society. 

This year’s theme is: Africa. It is now being awarded for the 18th time by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy together with its partners, the state capital Kiel and the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The IfW jury's reasoning:

“Leonard Wantchekon is not only an outstanding political economist, economic historian, and development economist, but also a far-sighted and assertive scientific entrepreneur. His unique perspective on development economics - not least shaped by his personal background - his innovative scientific methods, and his resulting groundbreaking work published in leading journals have earned him worldwide recognition in the profession. With the African School of Economics (ASE), which he founded and directs, he is opening the way for African students to receive an internationally recognized education in economics. The ASE curriculum reflects Leonard Wantchekon's unique perspective on economic issues by combining rigorous methodological training with multidisciplinary content on Africa's past and present. It thereby provides students with a high level of understanding of development across the continent.” 

The other two price winners next to Prof. Wantchekon are Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin, Chief Innovation Officer of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).