Professional History: Hassanatu Mansaray PhD is a Senior Policy Specialist at the African Development Bank (AfDB). She is actively involved in the preparation of the AfDB’s operational policies, strategies, and sustainable development initiatives in Africa, enabling her to contribute to sustainable and transformative development in Africa. Prior to that, Hassanatu was an Investment and Business Development Officer within the AfDB’s Private Sector Development Department, tasked with forging strategic business partnerships; identifying new lending opportunities; and structuring and executing private sector operations in Africa.

Before joining the AfDB, Hassanatu was a research scientist involved in research within academia, governments, and the pharmaceutical and petroleum industry. Outside of her work in science and international development, Hassanatu is passionately committed to female empowerment and leadership in her home country of Sierra Leone. As the co-founder of Women in Science, Technology, and Innovation (WoSTI), she mentors and provides support to girls and young women to help them succeed academically and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Academic and professional credentials: Masters in Chemistry from the University of Manchester
Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Oxford University

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