Jonathan Leape

Jonathan Leape is an Associate Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Executive Director of the International Growth Centre (IGC). He holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard University and a BA/MA from Oxford University. His research focuses on public economics, development economics, and structural transformation, with particular emphasis on taxation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

• Roles: IGC Executive Director (in secondment), Associate Professor at LSE, Interim Country Director of IGC Jordan
• Education: PhD (Harvard), BA/MA (Oxford)
• Key Initiatives: Founded the Centre for Research into Economics and Finance in Southern Africa (1990), led the IGC’s response to the pandemic, and pivoted its strategy toward sustainable growth.

His research interests include taxation policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategies for inclusive growth in developing economies. He has advised the UK Government Economic Service on taxation and co-chaired the FCDO’s Economic Advisory Group during the pandemic.

Key Contributions:

• Organized major conferences (e.g., Zambia Economic Growth Forum, India Sustainable Growth Conference).
• Authored policy briefs on climate adaptation, mineral resource governance, and labor market reforms.
• Published widely on topics such as green industrialization, tax for growth, and gender empowerment in labor markets.