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Amb. Olusiji Aina
Amb. Olusiji Aina is a development economist, sustainability & impact investing specialist, climate action enthusiast, writer, and international speaker. He is a strategist with professional competency in building high-impact, market-relevant skills for economic development, creating employment, and promoting economic growth in Africa. Olusiji has dedicated his entire career to transforming the global landscape through his expertise in leadership, strategy, management, ethics, policy, and emotional
intelligence. As a distinguished individual, he has spent over a decade as a leading consultant, delivering cutting-edge trainings that has empowered countless individuals and organizations to reach new heights. He’s a seasoned consultant with an impressive track record, exceptional knowledge, and unrivaled passion for his field. With extensive experience as a development economist, he has played a pivotal role in attracting high-level impact investments and foreign direct investments (FDIs) to Nigeria and various sub-national entities across Africa.
To highlight some of his exemplary achievements that climax his extraordinary capabilities, among these accomplishments is the successful orchestration of a staggering DFC-funded $1 billion in concessional funding for roads, water, and industrial park infrastructural projects in Kogi State. This endeavor, carried out with unmatched dedication and unrivaled negotiation skills, has left an indelible mark on the region’s development, despite the challenges and pushbacks. Olusiji has demonstrated exceptional expertise in initiating ongoing concessional funding instruments for projects such as industrial parks, agro and mining processing plants in Edo and Ekiti States, to foster economic growth and generate countless employment opportunities.
Throughout his career, Olusiji has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify investment opportunities, harness the potential of diverse economies, and create prosperous environments for all. His unwavering commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment has made him a force to be reckoned with in the field of development economics.
Additionally, he has headed several multi-million-dollar projects across several sectors, including a N211 billion Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry and Market Stabilization Facility, USAID-funded programs, the World Bank, Google Safety, and several other MFIs and DFIs intervention projects. Olusiji has over 20 years of extensive professional work experience spanning strategy, trade, investment, financial inclusion, renewable energy, mining, project management, agribusiness, enterprise development, human capital development, and over 10 years of extensive banking experience in institutional and commercial banking.
Olusiji is a graduate of Statistics. He obtained a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa, and an EMP from Lagos Business School. Olusiji is a researcher and recently completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Development Economics at UNICAF University. He holds a Certificate in Enterprise Development through Value Chains and Market Systems from the International Training Center of Turin, Italy; a Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA); a Chartered Global Investment Analyst (CGIA); and an Associate, Chartered Institute of Economists of Nigeria (ICEN). Olusiji is a Fellow of the Institute of Information Management (FIIM) and the Fellowship Member Public Office Holders Association of Nigeria (FPOHAN).
Olusiji received several global recognition awards, including one for outstanding humanitarian work awarded by the Global Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation, United States, in 2020. He was appointed Peace Ambassador by the United Nations System under Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Consultative Status to promote international peace and global education. Olusiji is a functional member of the Human Capital Development and Financial Inclusion & Financial Markets Thematic Groups of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Olusiji is the co-chairman of the Kogi State Economic Council, a board member of the Kogi State Investment Promotion Council, the chairman of the Advisory Board of Pokameil Limited, and a member of the Kogi State Youth Development Commission. He is a member of the Board of Governors, U.S.-Africa Trade Commission, to advise on the programs, policy leanings, and body of efforts to improve the trade traffic between the US and Africa, as well as several other national and international organizations. He’s a senior faculty fellow and director of programs for Leadership and Professional Ethics Consult at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.
Olusiji is happily married and blessed with children.
International Speaking Engagements
Ambassador Olusiji Aina is an eminent figure in the realm of international dialogue, recognized for his impactful speaking engagements at prestigious platforms such as the United Nations, the IMF Spring Meeting, the Global Youth Economic Opportunity Summit (GYEOS), the US-Africa Trade Commission, and the World Climate Summit. Throughout the year, he travels to major cities, including New York, Washington, DC, and Atlanta, where he engages with thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from around the globe.
Amb. Aina addresses a range of topical issues that resonate deeply in today’s interconnected world. His discussions on international trade focus on fostering collaboration and enhancing trade relationships that drive economic growth. By highlighting investment opportunities, he emphasizes the need for strategic investments that yield sustainable outcomes, particularly in emerging markets.
In his dialogue surrounding youth development and entrepreneurship, Amb. Aina champions the empowerment of young leaders, advocating for innovative initiatives that inspire entrepreneurship and harness the potential of youth to contribute to economic resilience. His engagement in impact investing and sustainability underscores the importance of aligning financial strategies with social and environmental objectives, promoting a new model that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
At events like the World Climate Summit, Amb. Aina’s insights into climate action focus on urgent strategies to combat climate change and promote sustainability. He calls for unified efforts across nations to tackle environmental challenges while fostering economic opportunities through green investments.
Through these annual engagements, Ambassador Aina not only fosters meaningful discussions but also cultivates a network of diverse stakeholders dedicated to shaping policies that address pressing global challenges. His contributions serve to inspire action and drive progress in areas crucial to the advancement of society and sustainable development on a global scale.
Amb. Olusiji's work at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)
Ambassador Olusiji Aina, Ph.D., holds a prestigious position at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), where he plays a pivotal role in coordinating the entire SLEAPM program. This comprehensive program encompasses all levels of training—from basic to advanced and professional—equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Amb. Aina is an esteemed educator, specializing in strategic planning, management and implementation, and strategic leadership. His teachings resonate with a diverse audience, including over 1,000 top executives, leaders from Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Senators, Chief Executives, Commissioners, Accountant Generals, Secretary to the State Government, Auditor Generals, LGA Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Directors, and Assistant Directors.
Through his mentorship and instruction, Amb. Aina has significantly impacted the professional development of these leaders, guiding them to enhance their strategic capabilities and leadership acumen. His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering effective governance exemplifies his commitment to shaping a better future for both individuals and institutions in Nigeria.
Board Membership and Chairing, Present and Past
Chairman, Board of Directors, Optiss Ventures
Non Executive Director and Board Member, Cognity Advisory
Member, Board of Governors, U.S.-Africa Trade Commission
Chairperson, SBS West Africa Alumni Association
Chairman, Advisory Board of Pokameil Limited
Co Chair, Kogi State Economic Advisory Council
Member, Kogi State Investment Promotion Council