Shanta Devarajan started as a mathematician and ended up in banking somewhat unexpectedly. Today, he heads up the World Bank operations in Africa. In our recent interview at Columbia Business School, he discussed his practical and pragmatic approach to solving some of Africa’s most profound problems. His thoughts were both refreshing and reassuring.
Devarajan believes that the World Bank has an important role to play in disseminating knowledge and best practices for the provision of capital for infrastructure and human capital-based projects. The present economic crisis, he said, can show how the World Bank’s development agency can be beneficial in helping responsible countries in the region. He also stressed that the recent past has shown that there is no single solution to poverty; rather, different aspects of society need to be encouraged. These aspects include macro-economic stability, priming the private sector to be an engine of growth and a sober, responsible government.
For the complete interview, please visit the Chazen Web Journal.
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Devarajan believes that the World Bank has an important role to play in disseminating knowledge and best practices for the provision of capital for infrastructure and human capital-based projects. The present economic crisis, he said, can show how the World Bank’s development agency can be beneficial in helping responsible countries in the region. He also stressed that the recent past has shown that there is no single solution to poverty; rather, different aspects of society need to be encouraged. These aspects include macro-economic stability, priming the private sector to be an engine of growth and a sober, responsible government.
For the complete interview, please visit the Chazen Web Journal.
More...