Ebenezer Makinde unveils vision for fighting corruption in Africa

There are no silver bullets in the fight against corruption, especially in Africa, where deeply rooted systemic issues intertwine with political and economic instability.
Yet, Ebenezer Makinde, an anti-corruption and governance policy expert, has carved a niche for himself as a leader in understanding, dissecting, and addressing these complexities. With a career spanning academia, policy design, and hands-on experience, Makinde’s work provides a roadmap for tackling corruption in Africa and other parts of the world.

Makinde’s expertise lies at the intersection of governance, transparency, and technology. As a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at Tulane University, his research focuses on how anti-corruption policies shape governance, institutional capacity, and public trust in government. By examining the successes and failures of these policies in both advanced and emerging democracies, he offers critical insights into how such frameworks can be optimized to foster democratic consolidation and socio-economic development. His scholarship is driven by a desire to identify sustainable strategies that move beyond short-term fixes and address the root causes of corruption.

His academic journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence. A recipient of the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, Makinde earned a Master’s in public policy from Sciences Po in Paris. His intellectual rigor and dedication to public service were first evident during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he graduated as the best student in his department and faculty. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his global outlook and multidisciplinary approach to governance issues.

One of Makinde’s most significant contributions is his exploration of the role of digital technologies in combating corruption. His research on the politicization of anti-corruption laws and the governance of digital technologies highlights how artificial intelligence and data analytics can be leveraged to enhance transparency and accountability in fiscal systems. By presenting his findings at leading conferences such as the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) and the Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), Makinde has influenced policymakers and academics alike, inspiring them to embrace technology-driven solutions for governance challenges.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Makinde’s practical interventions have been equally impactful. As a policy advisor and researcher, he has worked with international organizations like SCOR Reinsurance in Paris, where he contributed to sustainable development initiatives, and the African Leadership Academy in South Africa, where he helped design corporate social responsibility strategies. These roles allowed him to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring his ideas are grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities.

Makinde’s advocacy for global partnerships is another cornerstone of his work. He has consistently emphasized the crucial role that Western and developed countries must play in supporting Africa’s fight against corruption. In his writings and presentations, he has argued that foreign aid, trade policies, and development programs must prioritize transparency and accountability mechanisms to prevent the misuse of resources. His insights have sparked important conversations about how international stakeholders can foster equitable and sustainable governance in Africa.

Makinde is also a vocal advocate for education and capacity-building as tools for long-term reform. His teaching experience at Tulane University, where he has served as both a teaching assistant and an instructor for courses on comparative politics and quantitative methods, reflects his commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders and scholars. By equipping his students with the analytical tools to understand and address governance challenges, he ensures that his impact will endure far beyond his own career.

His dedication to ethical leadership is evident in his professional certifications, which include advanced training in data analysis and social research methods. These credentials not only enhance his technical expertise but also reinforce his commitment to evidence-based policymaking. Whether analyzing election disputes in developing democracies or assessing the impact of remittances on education in sub-Saharan Africa, Makinde approaches every issue with a meticulous and solutions-oriented mindset.

Makinde’s voice is especially relevant in the ongoing discourse about Africa’s relationship with global powers. In his recent presentation on African public opinion regarding U.S. and Chinese engagement, he highlighted the strategic opportunities and risks that arise from these interactions. His balanced perspective offers a nuanced understanding of how African nations can navigate these partnerships to maximize their development potential while safeguarding their sovereignty.