Akhil D's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Assessing Development Finance Institution activities in developing countries BASIS Advisor: Bryce White Internship Location: Ernst and Young Onsite Mentor: Ravi Gupta

Project Abstract

This research project will deeply examine Development Financial Institution (DFI) Investments in Africa. It will answer questions regarding the past, present, and future—What DFI activity alreadyexists in Africa? Is DFI activity beneficial for developing economies in Africa? What changes can be made to streamline DFI investment? What is the future of DFI activity in Africa as economic nationalism and isolationism increases? Developing economies worldwide are at an inflection point. Globalization spearheaded by DFIs has ushered in a new era of economic growth, while also making these economies more volatile and their governments less effective in implementing policy. Africa is yet the most recent continent to undergo this phenomenon, with countries undergoing both massive infrastructural advancements and political corruption. Moreover, the rising tensions between the U.S. and China are only creating more tensions on the continent, with DFIs getting strongarmed to promote these hegemonies' self-interest. It is critical to research the causes and effects of this phenomenon. The hoped result is that DFI activity becomes less beneficial to the economies the more they are influenced by the hegemonic battle between the U.S. and China.