AFRICAN CENTER FOR RESEARCH & ANALYSIS (ACRA)

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Our Team

At the African Center for Research and Analysis (ACRA), our strength lies in the depth, diversity, and dedication of our team. Together, we bring decades of combined experience in political economy, governance, and development research across Africa and beyond.

Our experts are united by a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based policymaking that drives inclusive growth, accountable governance, and sustainable economic transformation. Drawing on extensive experience in international organizations, regional development programs, and academic research, the ACRA team works collaboratively to produce insights that inform leadership and inspire change across the continent.

Meet Our Leadership

Dr. Ama K. Mensah — Executive Director

Dr. Ama Mensah is a Ghanaian political economist and founding Executive Director of ACRA.
She holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy from the University of Cape Town and has over 15 years of experience in governance research and institutional reform across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Before establishing ACRA, she served as a senior policy adviser to several regional organizations and led governance initiatives with the African Development Bank and UNDP.
Her work focuses on democratic accountability, inclusive growth, and evidence-based policymaking.

Mr. Samuel Okoye — Director of Economic Research

Samuel Okoye is a Nigerian economist and policy analyst specializing in macroeconomic reform and trade policy.
He earned his M.Sc. in Development Economics from the University of Oxford and has consulted for the World Bank and the African Union Commission.
At ACRA, he oversees research on fiscal governance, trade integration, and private-sector competitiveness.
He is passionate about data-driven approaches to economic transformation in Africa.

David Otieno — Director of Policy and Governance

David Otieno is a Kenyan governance and public policy specialist with extensive experience in institutional reform and civic engagement across East Africa.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and has served as a policy consultant for regional development programs supported by the African Union and USAID.
Before joining ACRA, he worked with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), where he led projects on transparency, decentralization, and good governance.
At ACRA, Mr. Otieno focuses on democratic governance, institutional accountability, and citizen participation in policymaking.