Baroness Dambisa Moyo, born in 1969 in Lusaka, Zambia, is an internationally acclaimed economist, boardroom powerhouse, and best-selling author whose influence spans the highest echelons of global finance, corporate governance, and public policy. A formidable thought leader and strategist, Moyo has dedicated her career to addressing complex economic challenges, particularly in developing nations, while also serving as a guiding force on several Fortune 500 boards.
Raised in both Zambia and the United States—where her father pursued postgraduate studies—Moyo’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in science. She studied chemistry at the University of Zambia before transferring to American University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a BSc in Chemistry in 1991 and later an MBA in Finance in 1993.
Her pursuit of global impact continued with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1997 and culminated with a DPhil in Economics from Oxford University’s St Antony’s College in 2002—solidifying her reputation as one of the most academically accomplished women in economics.
Moyo’s professional trajectory launched at the World Bank in 1993, where she worked until 1995 as a consultant in the Europe, Central Asia, and Africa departments. During her tenure, she contributed to the 1994 World Development Report, providing key insights into global development and policy frameworks.
In 2001, Moyo joined Goldman Sachs as a research economist and strategist, a role that positioned her at the nexus of global finance. She advised hedge funds, worked on debt capital markets, and helped developing nations issue sovereign bonds on the international market. As head of economic research and strategy for sub-Saharan Africa, she became a leading voice in shaping financial strategies for the region until her departure in 2008.
Transitioning into corporate governance, Moyo joined the board of international beverage giant SABMiller in 2009. She has since held positions on the boards of several globally influential companies including Barclays Bank, Barrick Gold, and Seagate Technology. As of 2025, Moyo serves on the boards of Chevron Corporation, 3M Company, National Geographic, and Condé Nast, where she continues to influence policy on sustainability, innovation, and global expansion.
Her philanthropic leadership is equally notable. She is a former board member of Lundin for Africa and Room to Read, organizations focused on community development and global education.
Moyo’s thought leadership extends beyond boardrooms and into public discourse. A prolific commentator, she has authored numerous articles for The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The New York Times, and Time magazine. Her influential voice has reached audiences through platforms such as TED Talks, BBC’s HARDtalk, and major economic forums.
Her expertise is regularly sought by some of the world’s most prestigious platforms. She has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Enterprise Institute, the Bilderberg Conference, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the OECD, the Aspen Institute, and the Ambrosetti Forum.
A member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Global Economic Imbalances, The Trilateral Commission, and the Bretton Woods Committee, Moyo continues to shape discourse on global financial systems, emerging market development, and economic equity.
As one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025, Baroness Dambisa Moyo exemplifies the fusion of intellectual excellence, corporate leadership, and global advocacy. Her life’s work challenges outdated paradigms and inspires a new generation of African and global leaders to think boldly, govern wisely, and lead ethically.
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