The International Somali Awards is proud to host Dr. Ali Issa Abdi to deliver a special lecture on his vision for future of the Somali economy.

Dr. Ali Issa Abdi is the current Managing director of HESPI. He has PhD in Economics and an MBA in International Finance. He worked as senior economist and manager at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for over two decades, including as an Advisor in the African region and as Senior Resident Representative in Tanzania and in Ethiopia. He worked as an economist with Citibank and the Central Bank of Somalia; and taught at several universities in the United States. Dr. Ali provided macroeconomic policy advice to more than 30 countries in Africa, Middle East and the Western Hemisphere.

Dr. Ali Issa's career has been instrumental in the developmental transformations of many countries as well as a pioneer of new ideas for economic success.

This side event will bring a diverse audience including students, academics, entrepreneurs, investors and members of civil society.