Robert Kirk

Robert has more than 30 years of experience working as a senior executive and an applied economist. His areas of expertise include economic development, trade policy, multilateral and regional trading agreements, institutional strengthening, and regulatory reform. Robert has managed large multinational teams to deliver technically sound work to client satisfaction within a project’s budget.

Prior to joining IDG, he consulted for the World Bank, served as Senior Vice President for AECOM International Development, was Chief of Party for the USAID Southern African Trade Hub, worked on projects funded by European Union and UK DFID, and was a Principal with The Services Group. He has also published papers on the political economy of trade facilitation in Eastern and Southern Africa, non-tariff barriers in East Africa, rules of origin, and the Southern African Customs Union Agreement.

Robert holds a PhD and B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Salford in Manchester, England. In his spare time, Robert enjoys running, and watching soccer.