Léonce Ndikumana

Born and raised in Burundi, Léonce Ndikumana obtained his BA in economics in 1986 from the University of Burundi where he served as junior lecturer (1987-1990) and Director of Finance and Administration (1989-1990). He obtained his Ph.D. in economics from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1996.

Ndikumana is the Director of PERI’s African Development Policy program, which combines applied research and capacity building. In collaboration with African institutions notably the African Development Bank, the Program provides training for African policy makers on structural and emerging issues in African development. The Program also coordinates research on various issues in African economic development.

Ndikumana teaches African economic development, macroeconomics theory, and money and banking. His research is in applied macroeconomics and economic development. He investigates the magnitude, causes and effects of capital flight from African countries. His work (co-authored with James K. Boyce) is published in International Review of Applied Economics, African Development Review, Development and Change, Journal of Development Studies, World Development.

He also explores the role of financial systems for investment and long-run economic growth. He also interested in macroeconomic policy and dynamics in African economies. His work in this area appeared in the Journal of African Economies, Journal of Globalization and Development.

Ndikumana's work also covered the interactions between financial markets, credit, firm level and aggregate investment and growth. His work has appeared in the American Economic Review (Papers and Proceedings), Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, World Development, Journal of African Economies.

Ndikumana also studies the economics and politics of ethnic conflict and civil wars in Africa as well as macroeconomic policies for post-conflict reconstruction. He has published in African Studies Review, The Round Table, and Journal of Modern African Studies and contributed book chapters in edited volumes.