Dr Omotosho, a Nigerian national, has more than 21 years experience in developing data strategies to align with the strategic objectives of organisations.
Dr. Omotosho, a Nigerian national, possesses over two decades of experience in formulating data strategies that align with the strategic objectives of organizations. His expertise encompasses data compilation, data analytics, macroeconomic research, and policy analysis.
Mr. Omotosho formerly held the position of Director of Research and Statistics at the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA) in Sierra Leone, where he was on loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria. During his tenure at WAMA, he offered counsel on monetary and economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Prior to that, he held various positions within the Statistics and Research Departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
As the Assistant Director in the Statistics Department, he spearheaded the data analytics team and directed the Central Bank's strategic initiatives in big data and data analytics. He supervised projects designed to augment data analytics capacities for policy formulation, automate surveys and statistical systems, optimize data sharing infrastructure, and create social media monitoring tools. His leadership cultivated a data analytics ethos within the Central Bank, propelling innovation and efficiency in operational and policy processes.
Dr. Omotosho possesses a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (2021). He also holds a Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Datamining from the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom (2011), a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Benin, Nigeria (2008), and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (2000).
He has made significant contributions to academic literature, publishing in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Economic Dynamics & Control, Journal of International Money & Finance, Macroeconomic & Finance in Emerging Market Economies, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Journal of Applied Statistics. His research encompasses big data, econometrics, the interplay of monetary and fiscal policies, business cycle drivers, and the macroeconomic effects of resource shocks on small open, emerging economies.
Omotosho holds memberships in the Nigerian Statistical Association, the International Association for Official Statistics, and the Royal Statistical Society.
Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I am grateful to President Adesina for this appointment, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and growth of the African Development Bank Group, an institution that plays such a pivotal role in the economic and social development of our beloved continent, Africa. I am fully committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of the position while collaborating effectively with the Bank’s senior leadership team, colleagues, and other strategic partners.”
Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, commented: “I am pleased to appoint Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho, a respected statistician, as Director of the Statistics Department. Dr Omotosho brings to this role an impressive track record in statistics, economics, and data analytics. He will support the Bank in building a robust data ecosystem to achieve our strategic objectives and sustain our long-term development goals.”