Abebe Aemro Selassie will join the Blavatnik School of Government as a Visiting Fellow of Practice, and as a Principal Advisor with the Economic Policy Network (EPN), part of the Centre for the Study of African Economies, from 1 September 2026. He joins the School and EPN following 32 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he most recently served as Director of the African Department since 2016.

Led by Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School, the EPN brings together a small group of respected development economists and policy practitioners who partner with senior government leaders in low- and middle-income countries to help build and sustain economic growth strategies. 

Abebe brings to this role a distinguished career in macroeconomic policy formulation and crisis management. In his role at the IMF, he oversaw the Fund's engagement with 45 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, steering the region through the COVID-19 pandemic, a sustained period of high inflation, and profound shifts in the global economic order. Over the course of his IMF career, Abebe also served as Mission Chief for Portugal and South Africa, Senior Resident Representative in Uganda, and in senior positions across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Before joining the IMF, Abebe worked as Principal Economist in the Office of the President of Ethiopia, an early foundation for the deep commitment to African development that has defined his career.

At the Blavatnik School and within the EPN, he will apply his extensive experience in macroeconomic policy, international finance, and development strategy to support governments seeking to strengthen economic growth and resilience.

Stefan Dercon said:

"We are delighted to welcome Abebe to the Blavatnik School and to EPN. He brings an extraordinary depth of experience in African economic policy, and we look forward to the insights and connections he will bring to our community and to the governments we work with."