Mwanda Phiri is a passionate economist with over a decade of experience in applied economics research and policy analysis. Her research interests include inclusive and sustainable industrial development, structural transformation, trade, value chains, investment analysis, governance and private sector growth. Mwanda also advises investors on strategic investment opportunities in Africa. Mwanda was recently Africa Policy Lead for the Charter Cities Institute (CCI), where she played a key role in establishing CCI Zambia and expanding CCI’s work in Africa to support the development of thriving new special economic zone cities that attract investments, generate jobs, and foster sustained and inclusive economic development. Prior to joining CCI, Mwanda was head of the Trade and Investment Unit at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research. She is a published author, having recently contributed a chapter on Zambia’s Industrial Policy in the first Oxford Handbook of the Zambian Economy. In recognition of her expertise and commitment to advancing Africa’s economic development, Mwanda was invited to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Complex Risks [2023-2024] and was named one of Donors for Africa’s Outstanding 50 African Women in Development in 2024. Mwanda was also appointed as a member of Zambia’s Capital Markets Tribunal. She is a UK Commonwealth Scholar and holds an MSc in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Sheffield.