ANNOUNCEMENT
Paris, 13th October 2025
The Finance for Development Lab welcomes Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari as a Non-Resident Fellow.
We are delighted to announce that Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari, distinguished economist and former First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, has joined our team. This strategic appointment underscores FDL's commitment to advancing economic research and fostering partnerships focused on Ghana and other developing nations.
Dr Opoku-Afari’s expertise will be instrumental in spearheading innovative research and facilitating collaboration among central banks, private sectors, and international organisations to develop impactful solutions for financial development. The Lab will support his efforts by providing our platform, access to data, research assistance, and logistical resources, with the goal of organising a major debt conference in Africa next year.
Dr Opoku-Afari said: "I am honoured to join this great and reputable institution with very accomplished and distinguished professionals. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with colleagues to contribute to the vital work of promoting shared and sustainable growth and development through thoughtful research and discussions."
Over the next six months, Dr Opoku-Afari will oversee two major studies and actively contribute to FDL's events, seminars, and research initiatives. His insights will be vital in shaping strategic directions and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Martin Kessler, Executive Director of the Finance for Development Lab, said: "We are honoured to welcome Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari to our team. His extensive background in central banking and international finance will be a tremendous asset as we work toward fostering sustainable development across Africa and beyond.”
With nearly three decades of experience in central banking and international finance, Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari’s distinguished career includes leadership roles at the IMF and extensive expertise in monetary policy, financial inclusion, digital finance, and economic development. His insights will significantly enhance our mission to advance inclusive and sustainable development across Africa and other emerging regions.
Please join us in welcoming Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari to our team as we continue to foster innovative solutions for development finance.
Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari, Former First Deputy Governor, Bank of Ghana and Former Deputy Division Chief/Mission Chief, International Monetary Fund
Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari is a distinguished economist and policymaker with nearly three decades of experience in central banking and international finance. He has held senior positions at both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank of Ghana. Dr Opoku-Afari was appointed as the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana on August 7, 2017, and concluded his two-term assignment on February 5, 2025. In his role as First Deputy Governor, he provided oversight for the Bank’s Economic Policy, Payments Systems and FinTech, Research and Capacity Development, Currency Management, and Risk Management, among other functions. Additionally, he served on numerous Boards and Committees within and outside the Bank and co-chaired the Government's Economic Policy Coordinating Committee. Dr Opoku-Afari holds a first degree in Economics and Statistics, an MPhil in Economics, both from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. His expertise and leadership have been widely recognised, and he has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career. He is currently a Fellow (FGA) of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary fellow of Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB), the Institute of Directors, Ghana (IoD), and chairs the Advisory Board of the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana.