EfD welcomes Precious Zikhali, Senior Economist in the Poverty Global Department of the World Bank, as a keynote speaker at its Annual Meeting in October 2025. Zikhali brings a powerful voice to the global conversation on climate equity, particularly in advocating for the most vulnerable communities in Africa.
Her keynote will focus on the distributional impacts of climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting how environmental shocks disproportionately affect poor households.
“Africa is warming faster than the global average, and vulnerability is not evenly spread. Those at the bottom of the income distribution are often the most exposed and also least equipped to cope,” notes Precious Zikhali.
Underlines the importance of inclusive growth
Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Zikhali will examine how climate risks intersect with inequality, particularly in regions that rely on rainfed subsistence agriculture.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Zikhali’s personal journey is deeply intertwined with her professional mission.
“Growing up in a drought-prone region of Zimbabwe, I saw firsthand how one failed rainy season could destroy livelihoods and keep children out of school. These setbacks often create deep inequalities that persist across generations. That is why I advocate for policies that address the deep links between climate change, poverty, and inequality,” she says.
She emphasizes the crucial role of climate policies and social protection systems in safeguarding vulnerable populations during the transition to greener economies.
Gained global perspectives
Curious about how natural resources and the environment can be better leveraged to improve wellbeing, Zikhali pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, supported by a scholarship from Sida.
“I gained not just a quality education, but exposure to different cultures, ideas, and ways of doing things,” she recalls.
“In Sweden, I observed how closely the environment is woven into everyday life. It became clear to me that addressing climate change is not separate from improving quality of life—the two are deeply connected. Good environmental policy is good social policy.”
She also cherishes the friendships and global perspectives gained through her international student community.
Proud to make a difference
Today, Zikhali leads the World Bank’s poverty and equity work program in Kenya, where she combines statistical capacity building and rigorous research with policy engagement.
“What I value most about my work is that it goes beyond analytics. I get to inform policy and see the impact of our work.”
She’s particularly proud of initiatives that produce and use data to amplify voices often unheard and shape inclusive policies.
Zikhali also serves as president of AFAERE (African Association of Environmental and Resource Economists), of which EfD is a supporter.
Through her policy work, academic contributions, and dedication to mentorship, Precious Zikhali embodies the spirit of inclusive development. Her keynote promises to be both insightful and inspiring—an essential contribution to the global dialogue on climate equity.
By: Petra Hansson