Walter Owuor Odero

I am a self-driven and assured macroeconomist with the capability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data related to economic, social, and political issues through the use of macroeconomic and econometric modelling tools. I possess the ability to manage high-level demands, including working effectively under pressure and adhering to tight deadlines. This was particularly evident during the years 2020 and 2021 when I served as the de facto Country Manager OiC in Zimbabwe, concurrently holding the position of Principal Country Economist and acting as the Country Program Officer during the vacancy of that role. The same has been demonstrated recently when I have been serving as the Country Economist for both Rwanda and the Seychelles, meeting tight deadlines in both countries. My expertise in economic modelling and forecasting is highlighted by my leadership in producing CGE model-based reports for Rwanda in 2023 and Zimbabwe in 2018. I possess strong technical and quantitative skills as an applied development macroeconomist, enabling me to conduct monetary, fiscal, and financial analyses, perform project appraisals, engage in planning, and carry out feasibility studies. I am adept in public finance management assessments, country policies and institutional evaluations, country risk assessments, assessments of country resilience and fragility, as well as capacity building in these areas. I have extensive knowledge of portfolio management, having overseen country portfolio performance reviews in Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles and Zimbabwe. Additionally, I am well versed in matters of good governance, having addressed these issues across various domains, including constitutional, policymaking, and implementation levels. I have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by developing countries, having worked on these issues in Afghanistan, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Zimbabwe over a span of more than 25 years.

• Technical and coordination roles: I have over 15 years’ experience at the African Development Bank (AfDB) handling macroeconomic analysis, planning, policy and strategy formulation, knowledge work, aid coordination, project appraisal including in several fragile states (Zimbabwe, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea), country resilience and fragility assessments (Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe), leading national dialogue with governments and other stakeholders in Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles and Zimbabwe.
• Over 25 years extensive planning and development work experience in Afghanistan, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and other Eastern Africa countries. Mainly with AfDB, UK Department for International Development (DFID), UNICEF, ActionAid, Government of Kenya, and Constitution of Kenya Review Commission.
• About 6 years’ work experience as AfDB Principal Country Economist for Zimbabwe (2018 – 2021) and Rwanda (2022 to the present), covering Seychelles since June 2024 and 9 years work experience as AfDB Macroeconomist in Kenya.
• Recent Country Strategy deliverables: Country Strategy Completion Report and Country Diagnostic Note for Seychelles (2025); Country Strategy Midterm review for Rwanda (2024); two Country Briefs (Strategies) for Zimbabwe (2019 – 2020 and 2021 – 2023); two Country Briefs (Strategies) Completion Reports for Zimbabwe (2013 – 2016 and 2019 – 2020); and two Country Strategies for Kenya (2008 – 2013 and 2014 – 2018).
• Recent knowledge products: (i) Alternative scenarios for Rwanda’s development up to 2035; (ii) Applying the Growth Identification and Facilitation Framework to Rwanda; (iii) Building a New Zimbabwe, targeted policies for growth and job creation (2020 – 2030); and (iv) Zimbabwe Infrastructure Flagship Report.
• Managed the delicate process of extending the USD 145 million Zimbabwe Multi Donor Trust Fund (Zimfund) from end 2020 to end 2021. Process involved negotiation with government and development partners and AfDB Senior Management.
• Proven skills in proactively engaging governments, industry/private sector players, development partners and influencing various policy decisions.
• Demonstrated strong planning and organizational skills, including a proven ability to think strategically, seeing the big picture, negotiation skills and team building skills, as well as a credible ability to influence and present ideas as confirmed by leadership of development partner activities (Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe), leadership in the production of strategy papers and knowledge products as well as staff management as Country Manager OiC and Values Promotion champion in Kenya.