Gilbert Naab

Gilbert Naab is an Assistant Professor in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Coventry University's Faculty of Business and Law (UK). He holds a PhD in Development Economics from the University of Bradford and has over a decade of experience in international development, banking, and development finance. His research focuses on financial inclusion, SME financing, and poverty reduction strategies in Africa. Currently, he serves as Policy Director for Inclusive Finance at the North Centre for Development Alternatives (NCDA), advising NGOs and SMEs in Northern Ghana.

Education:

• PhD in Development Economics (University of Bradford, 2020)
• MSc Development Administration and Planning (UCL, 2015)
• MSc Development Finance (University of Ghana, 2011)
• BSc Business Administration (Islamic University College, Ghana, 2009)

Research Interests:

• Designing financial products for rural livelihoods
• Impact of mobile money on business performance
• Africa-to-Africa outward FDI drivers
• Sustainability practices in mining sectors
• Gender dynamics in African entrepreneurship

His articles highlight trends in financial innovation for poverty reduction, digital financial services, and sustainable development challenges. Notable awards include the Dean’s Prize for Doctoral Research (2020) and Exceptional Performance Award (2022).

Advising: Accepting PhD students in development finance and entrepreneurship. Grants: Active in development finance projects across Ghana and Kenya. Professional roles include Board Member at Mind 'N' Health Foundation and GAHAG International.

Labs/Teams: Leads NCDA's Inclusive Finance initiatives and collaborates with international researchers on African development topics.