Michael O’Sullivan

Bio

Michael O’Sullivan is a Senior Economist and Head of the World Bank's Africa Gender Innovation Lab, an action-oriented research lab that aims to identify what works to promote gender equality in Africa and use these insights to shape policy. The Lab’s evidence has informed $12.8 billion in development investments across 53 countries and has shaped multiple policy reforms.  Over the past fifteen years, Michael has led research on the barriers to women’s economic empowerment—including on agriculture, property rights, and women’s access to markets—and tested innovative solutions to address them. Prior to joining the World Bank, he worked on USAID-funded development projects and served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso. Michael holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.