Professional Affiliation

Director, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (Nigeria)

Expert Bio

Mr. Thompson Ayodele is the Director of Initiative for Public Policy Analysis, a public policy think tank based in Lagos, Nigeria. Thompson attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and the University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada, for a master’s degree in International Development. Thompson has more than 12 years in research and advocacy and is involved in numerous research activities including design, implementation and dissemination of findings. Thompson has published widely, and he is one of the authors of the award-winning book: “Lesson From the Poor,” and he has published several policy briefs and editorial opinions in several media outlets. His articles had been published in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, New York Post, Providence Journal, Washington Post, Baltimore Chronicle, Australia Financial Review, Business Day South Africa and several media outlets in Nigeria. He is also a regular commentator and has granted countless media interviews on governance, and conflict issues in Africa to the BBC, Swedish Television CNN, Irish Times, Associated Press (AP), Radio France International, Voice of America as well as Reuters. Thompson’s recent research is focused on China’s engagement in Africa, and the possibility of China’s signing a Free Trade Agreement with African countries.