Esther Ngozika Okeke

Economist and Policy Analyst with expertise in monetary policy, central banking, and economic development, skilled at translating complex analysis into actionable, high-level policy insights. Experienced in monetary and financial programming, economic policy analysis, and formulating evidence-based policies. Recognized for strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach to economic decision-making. Passionate about advancing innovation, sustainability, and international development by transforming research into actionable insights and shaping global policy dialogue.

• IMF Macroeconomic Diagnostics (In-View)
• IMF Debt Sustainability Framework for Low Income Countries (In-View)
• IMF Statistics Introduction to Monetary and Financial Statistics 2025
• World Bank Institute of Economic Development: Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy 2025
• IMF Financial Programming & Policies (FPP.1x & FPP.2x), 2024
• CBN International Training Institute, Research Methods, Survey Management and Data Methodology, 2024
• Associate Chartered Economist (ACE), Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, 2021
• Graduate Chartered Manager, Nigerian Institute of Management, 2021
• Certified Professional First-Aider, Red Cross Nigeria, 2021
• Certified Member, Project Management Institute (PMI), 2020
• Hult Prize Regional Finalist, Nairobi Impact Summit, 2020

• Pioneering Contributor to Nigeria’s First Transition to Inflation Targeting: Drafted policy inputs that supported the adoption of an inflation-targeting framework.
• Contributor to Elsevier’s First Encyclopedia of Monetary Policy, Financial Markets, and Banking: Co-authored “Wartime Monetary Policy: Monetary Policy Options to Consider During War”, published as a chapter in Elsevier’s inaugural encyclopedia.
• Contributor to Nigeria’s Proposed Fiscal-Monetary Policy Coordination Framework: Provided research and policy inputs to strengthen coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.
• Policy Research Informing the 298th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting: Co-authored research on monetary aggregates and inflation that influenced MPC decisions.
• Member, Cash Access Survey Committee during Nigeria’s Cash Shortage Episode: Investigated cash access challenges, embedding financial inclusion considerations into macroeconomic policy.
• Co-Author and Presenter, 3rd IAEE MENA Conference, Riyadh: Co-authored and presented “The Role of Crude Oil Exports in Foreign-Domestic Investments, Economic Growth, and Development in Oil-Rich Countries.
• Inaugural Member, AI & Machine Learning Committee: Tasked with developing internal AI and ML systems to streamline departmental processes, optimize efficiency, reduce turnaround delays, and enhance analytical speed and depth.
• Regional Finalist, Hult Prize (2020): Led a team to regional finalist status at the 2020 Hult Prize (in partnership with United Nations) for developing an innovative solution.

• Ozili, P. K., Okeke, E. N., & Obiora, K. I. (2025). Wartime monetary policy: Monetary policy options to adopt during war. In Encyclopedia of Monetary Policy, Financial Markets and Banking (pp. 538–544). Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780443137761002610
• Ozili, P. K., Okeke, E., & Alika, S. (2025). Sustainable finance in Africa: Overview, enablers, benefits and challenges. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5327358
• Okeke, E. N. (2024). Saving the people and the planet: Public institutions as catalysts for private sector innovations [Conference submission]. World Bank Conference.
• Okeke, E. N. (2023). A blueprint approach to economic crisis in developing economies [Master’s thesis, Murray State University].
• Okeke, E. N. (2020). Impact of government expenditure on agriculture and economic growth in Nigeria [Bachelor’s dissertation, Landmark University].
• Fiscal-monetary policy coordination for inflation targeting implementation in Nigeria [Working paper]. Central Bank of Nigeria.