Livingstone Edward | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Livingstone Edward | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Research Fellow from University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Livingstone Edward Xetor is a dynamic and emerging development researcher with strong expertise in monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, and economic development. He currently serves as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer and has contributed significantly to research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the British Council. Xetor has experience working on projects that address educational outcomes, digital finance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in respected journals like Sustainable Development and the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, alongside numerous ongoing studies. With a blend of academic insight and hands-on field experience, he has played vital roles in data collection, tool development, report writing, stakeholder mobilization, and training facilitation. Livingstone is committed to conducting transformative research that influences policy and practice, particularly in the socio-economic landscape of Ghana. He has demonstrated competence with both qualitative and quantitative methods and is proficient in data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, and NVivo. Xetor’s passion for research, paired with his solid foundation in development economics, positions him as a promising scholar. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and a drive to make impactful contributions in development and policy circles.

Professional Profile

Education

Livingstone Edward Xetor’s academic background lays a strong foundation for his work in research and development. He holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Development Studies with a concentration in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, which he completed in 2022. His postgraduate studies emphasized advanced research methodologies, economic theory, and policy-oriented analysis, equipping him with the knowledge to evaluate complex development challenges. Prior to his MPhil, he earned a Bachelor of Education in Management and Economics from the same university in 2018. This undergraduate training provided him with essential skills in financial management, economics, and educational instruction, which later supported his work as a teaching assistant and education consultant. Throughout his academic journey, Livingstone has demonstrated a keen interest in integrating theory with practice, as reflected in his postgraduate dissertation on financial literacy and micro-enterprise performance. His continuous pursuit of knowledge is further demonstrated by his active participation in workshops, webinars, and professional forums related to development studies and evaluation. Looking ahead, his academic growth would benefit from enrollment in a PhD program, enabling deeper specialization and broader contributions to the field. Overall, his educational background reflects a commitment to academic rigor and interdisciplinary learning.

Professional Experience

Livingstone Edward Xetor possesses a solid blend of academic and professional experiences that showcase his versatility and dedication to development research. From July 2020 to March 2024, he worked as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer at MKA Education Services Limited, where he contributed to various national and international consultancy projects. His responsibilities included designing M&E tools, drafting reports and proposals, conducting data analysis, facilitating training sessions, and organizing stakeholder engagements. Prior to this, he served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Cape Coast’s School of Business from 2018 to 2019, where he supported academic instruction, evaluated student assessments, and contributed to curriculum delivery. In 2017, he briefly taught Financial Accounting at Keta Business Senior High School. His involvement in major consultancy projects—such as the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP), the Electoral Support Activity (ESA), and the Amplify Ghana Project—demonstrates his ability to collaborate with government institutions, NGOs, and development agencies. These roles have deepened his understanding of project management, policy evaluation, and field research. Collectively, Xetor’s professional experience illustrates a trajectory of growth grounded in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based development programming.

Research Interests

Livingstone Edward Xetor’s research interests are rooted in the socio-economic development space, with a particular emphasis on financial inclusion, educational policy, youth development, and governance. His work explores the intersection of economic empowerment and institutional frameworks, with the aim of producing transformative insights that inform both policy and practice. He is especially drawn to issues of inclusive growth, financial literacy, and digital finance, as demonstrated in his postgraduate research and ongoing academic projects. Additionally, he is deeply interested in how peace, governance, and participatory processes influence the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in African contexts. His consultancy experience on education and electoral projects has sparked further interest in monitoring public programs and assessing their impact on social equity. Another emerging focus area for Xetor is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where he seeks to understand the barriers affecting exporters and regional trade integration. He also explores gender analysis and social protection systems, particularly in underserved communities. Through a blend of empirical studies and policy-oriented research, Livingstone aims to influence development outcomes by producing evidence that is practical, actionable, and inclusive. His research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous, participatory inquiry.

Research Skills

Livingstone Edward Xetor brings a robust set of research skills honed through years of academic study and professional application. He is well-versed in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and has demonstrated competence in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. His experience with developing research instruments, conducting interviews, and performing thematic analysis positions him as a well-rounded researcher. Livingstone is proficient in the use of statistical software such as SPSS and STATA for quantitative data, and NVivo for qualitative analysis. His proposal writing skills are evidenced by his successful involvement in consultancy projects funded by international organizations like the World Bank and USAID. He is skilled at writing concept notes, research reports, training manuals, and policy briefs, all tailored to meet the standards of academia and the development sector. Additionally, his facilitation experience makes him effective in organizing stakeholder engagements and disseminating research findings. He is adept at logical framework development, monitoring and evaluation design, and policy analysis, all of which are essential in applied research contexts. His multidisciplinary skillset, combined with critical thinking, resilience, and emotional intelligence, allows him to adapt to varied research environments. Collectively, these skills make him an asset in both academic and consultancy-based research settings.

Awards and Honors

While Livingstone Edward Xetor has not explicitly listed formal awards or honors in his curriculum vitae, his professional track record and academic involvement suggest several forms of recognition through merit-based participation and affiliations. He has consistently contributed to high-level consultancy projects, often funded by prestigious global organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the British Council—indicative of professional trust in his expertise. His co-authorship in peer-reviewed journals such as Sustainable Development and the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development demonstrates academic recognition and peer validation. Moreover, Xetor’s participation in international forums and webinars—such as those hosted by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank—points to his active engagement with global research networks. Additionally, he holds student memberships in respected professional bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), the Ghana Monitoring and Evaluation Forum (GMEF), and the Institute for Directors Ghana (IoD-GH). These affiliations reflect his ongoing commitment to professional development and ethical research conduct. While formal accolades may follow as his career progresses, his current engagements reflect the esteem and confidence placed in him by institutions and collaborators alike. Recognition through impactful work remains a consistent theme in his emerging scholarly journey.

Conclusion

Livingstone Edward Xetor represents a highly capable and forward-thinking development researcher with a promising academic and professional trajectory. His experience spans a diverse range of sectors including education, governance, economic empowerment, and youth development, all grounded in a firm foundation of evidence-based analysis and practical fieldwork. Through his role as a MERL Officer and his involvement in consultancy projects with institutions such as the World Bank and USAID, he has demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of policy impact and community engagement. His scholarly contributions, though still emerging, are impactful and targeted toward real-world challenges. He combines strong research skills with a passion for inclusive growth, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and development discourse. As he continues to build his profile through further studies, international collaborations, and publication outputs, Xetor is well-positioned to become a thought leader in development economics and evaluation. His work embodies a commitment to transformative research that bridges the gap between theory and practice. With continued support and recognition, he has the potential to make significant and lasting contributions to development policy and scholarship in Ghana and beyond.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development Nexus: Where Is the Synergy?

  • Authors: Livingstone Edward Xetor; Justice Mensah

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Sustainable Development

  • DOI: 10.1002/sd.3430

Karim Nabaloum | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Karim Nabaloum | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Thomas SANKARA University from Burkina Faso

Karim NABALOUM is a Burkinabè economist and researcher specializing in macroeconomic policy, development planning, and climate finance. With over a decade of academic and professional experience, he combines rigorous economic analysis with a strong capacity for practical implementation in development and public policy contexts. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Economics at Université Thomas Sankara, where he also serves as a lecturer in macroeconomics and monetary economics. Karim has demonstrated excellence in both teaching and applied research, with extensive contributions to regional economic policy initiatives through his role as Chargé d’étude at AMD International. His consulting work includes public expenditure reviews, climate adaptation planning, and policy analysis across West Africa and the Maghreb region. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Karim is recognized for his strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in software such as EViews, Stata, and R. He has authored several scientific articles and research reports, with a focus on monetary transmission, financial inclusion, and poverty alleviation in the UEMOA zone. A reviewer for African Development Review, Karim is known for his academic rigor, teamwork, and commitment to evidence-based policy. He is a promising young scholar whose profile aligns well with excellence in research, policy relevance, and regional impact.

Professional Profile

Education

Karim NABALOUM’s academic journey reflects a deep and consistent commitment to the field of economics. He began his studies at Université Thomas Sankara, where he earned a Licence and Maîtrise in Macroéconomie et Gestion du Développement between 2013 and 2016. He went on to complete a Diplôme d’Étude Approfondie (DEA) in Économie Appliquée in 2019 under the PTCI regional program. In 2025, Karim is set to complete his doctoral thesis in Economics at Université Thomas Sankara, marking the culmination of a rigorous and well-rounded academic path. His academic development has been further enhanced through specialized programs and certifications. These include participation in the Campus de Cours Commun à Option at Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, and training in strategic foresight, climate policy, and sustainable finance. He also holds certifications in topics such as health and climate change, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf), and gender-responsive planning. This diverse and high-level education has equipped Karim with both theoretical depth and practical insight, allowing him to address complex economic and development challenges in West Africa and beyond. His academic foundation is a key pillar supporting his strong performance in teaching, research, and applied policy work.

Professional Experience

Karim NABALOUM has built a robust and diverse professional portfolio encompassing academia, consulting, and policy research. His academic roles include serving as a lecturer and assistant across several major institutions, most notably Université Thomas Sankara and Université Saint Thomas d’Aquin. Since 2020, he has taught a range of economics subjects, including macroeconomics, monetary policy, and economic fluctuations, at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These teaching roles have allowed him to contribute significantly to the training of future economists in Burkina Faso. Simultaneously, Karim has developed substantial applied research experience through his position as Chargé d’étude at AMD International. Between 2022 and 2025, he contributed to various high-impact missions, including public expenditure reviews, climate adaptation planning, institutional analysis, and project development for international climate finance mechanisms. His work spans multiple countries including Senegal, Algeria, and Burkina Faso, and often involves integrating climate, gender, and economic policy objectives. This dual-track experience—combining academic teaching and field research—demonstrates Karim’s capacity to bridge theory and practice. It highlights his effectiveness in translating economic concepts into actionable policy recommendations, positioning him as both a skilled educator and a practical economist working at the intersection of research and development implementation.

Research Interests

Karim NABALOUM’s research interests lie at the intersection of macroeconomic policy, monetary transmission mechanisms, financial development, and climate economics. A key focus of his academic work is understanding how central bank policies influence banking behavior and economic outcomes within the UEMOA region. His DEA and doctoral research have explored themes such as banking liquidity, regulatory constraints, and the effectiveness of monetary policy. His published and ongoing research includes studies on the pass-through of interest rates, the role of mobile money in poverty reduction, and the interaction between financial sector dynamics and macroeconomic performance. In recent years, Karim has also developed a strong interest in the economics of climate change. His consulting work has provided valuable insights into how public finance systems and institutional planning can be restructured to support climate adaptation and sustainable development. He is also increasingly involved in research that addresses the integration of gender and environmental considerations into economic planning. This blend of macroeconomic theory and applied development economics positions Karim’s work at the forefront of relevant and timely policy research for West Africa. His interests are well aligned with regional development priorities, and his multidisciplinary approach makes his research both impactful and policy-relevant.

Research Skills

Karim NABALOUM possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span theoretical modeling, quantitative analysis, and field-based evaluation. His academic training in macroeconomics and applied economics has equipped him with a solid foundation in economic theory, policy analysis, and econometrics. He demonstrates strong capabilities in data collection, econometric modeling, and statistical analysis using tools such as EViews, Stata, and R (RStudio and RCommander). His practical research experience, both in academia and as a consultant, reflects his ability to design and execute complex research assignments. He has conducted sectoral studies, contributed to public expenditure reviews, and developed policy-oriented reports aligned with international standards. In addition, Karim has experience writing policy briefs, synthesizing technical reports, and developing funding proposals for multilateral finance institutions like the Green Climate Fund. His reviewer role for African Development Review further attests to his capacity for critical evaluation and engagement with scholarly literature. Moreover, his multilingual communication skills—especially his fluency in French and Moore—enable him to conduct research that is both locally grounded and regionally relevant. His research approach is characterized by rigor, clarity, and policy relevance, making him a strong contributor to the academic and development policy communities.

Awards and Honors

Karim NABALOUM has received several academic distinctions and professional recognitions that reflect his excellence in research and capacity-building. Notably, he earned a mention très bien (high honors) for his Master’s thesis in Applied Economics, which investigated the relationship between banking liquidity and monetary policy effectiveness in the UEMOA zone—a significant topic for regional economic governance. His selection to participate in high-level training programs, such as the Campus de Cours Commun à Option at Université Cheikh Anta Diop and the UEMOA Capacity Building Workshop for Researchers, demonstrates recognition of his academic potential and commitment to professional development. He also holds a certificate as a reviewer for the African Development Review, marking his involvement with peer-reviewed academic publishing at an early stage in his research career. These honors are supplemented by a suite of professional certifications in areas such as climate change, sustainable finance, and strategic planning. Each of these awards and training programs reinforces Karim’s readiness for leadership in economic research and policy advisory roles. Although he has not yet received a formal “Best Researcher” award, his academic output, service contributions, and impact-oriented projects make him a deserving candidate for such recognition.

Conclusion

Karim NABALOUM exemplifies the profile of a committed and impactful researcher in economics, particularly in the context of West Africa’s development challenges. Through a blend of academic excellence, teaching experience, field research, and policy engagement, he has built a multidisciplinary skillset that enables him to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and public policy reform. His research addresses some of the most pressing issues in the region—including monetary policy effectiveness, financial inclusion, and climate resilience—making his work highly relevant to both scholars and practitioners. His strong methodological skills, proven track record of publication, and regional consulting experience all point to a researcher whose work bridges the gap between theory and action. Additionally, his active role in academic communities—as a lecturer, assistant, and peer reviewer—reflects his leadership potential and dedication to knowledge sharing. With a commitment to rigor, collaboration, and innovation, Karim is well-positioned to make lasting contributions to the fields of economics and sustainable development. His candidacy for the Best Researcher Award is both timely and well-deserved, supported by a clear history of academic achievement, policy relevance, and regional impact. He represents the next generation of African economists with a vision for inclusive and evidence-based development.

Publication Top Note

  • Title: Regulatory Constraints and Transmission of Monetary Policy to Bank Lending in the WAEMU

  • Author: K. Nabaloum

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: African Development Review, Volume 37, Issue 2, Article e70008