Stellah Kwasi

Stellah Kwasi is a Senior Research Associate at the Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. With a robust academic background and over a decade of experience in international development, research, and policy analysis, Kwasi has developed a deep expertise in forecasting, data analysis, and socio-economic modeling. She specializes in utilizing the International Futures (IFs) forecasting system to support evidence-based policy planning for human development and security in Africa and beyond.

Kwasi’s current role at the Pardee Institute involves leading and contributing to high-impact research projects, often aimed at informing policy-making and addressing global development challenges. Her work focuses on areas such as health, education, economy, agriculture, governance, and infrastructure, among others. By applying the IFs system, she synthesizes vast amounts of data to produce long-term forecasts and actionable insights on key issues affecting nations' social and economic trajectories. She also plays a critical role in project management, guiding the research process from design to publication, and frequently collaborates with both academic and policy-making audiences to disseminate findings.

Prior to joining the Pardee Institute, Kwasi worked with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, South Africa, where she was a key contributor to the African Futures and Innovation Programme. In this capacity, she worked on forecasting and strategic planning to address critical challenges such as population dynamics, sustainable development, and human security. She also conducted in-depth research on governance and conflict dynamics across the African continent, delivering comprehensive policy reports, proposals, and recommendations to governments, international organizations, and development partners. Her research on the potential impacts of COVID-19 in Africa, including its socio-economic consequences, was widely cited in global discussions on the pandemic's long-term effects.

Earlier in her career, Kwasi gained valuable experience in various international development and humanitarian roles, including as a Program Support Officer for Concern Worldwide in Somalia/Somaliland, where she focused on health and nutrition programs, particularly for women and children. She has also worked on agricultural projects in Kenya, including an innovative carbon credit program in Nyando District, and has contributed to monitoring and evaluation efforts in community health initiatives.

Kwasi holds a master’s degree in International Development from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, where she specialized in econometrics, project evaluation, and forecasting. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Egerton University in Kenya. Kwasi is fluent in English, Swahili, and Luo, with a basic proficiency in German.

Her publications and thought leadership on topics such as governance, education, and sustainable development in Africa have appeared in major research reports and journals, and she has been an active voice in global policy debates. Her work has contributed to shaping the discourse on Africa’s future development pathways, including her co-authorship of reports on Egypt, Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kwasi’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with her deep commitment to data-driven policy, positions her as a leading expert in the field of international development.