James Garang

Congratulations to James Garang (BS 2006) on the completion of his doctoral studies in economics at the University of Massachusetts! James' dissertation is entitled "The Financial Sector and Inclusive Development in Africa: Essays on Access to Finance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South Sudan and Kenya. "His study is based on extensive field work conducted in South Sudan and Kenya in 2011 and 2012. In addition to carrying out his doctoral work, James has been actively engaged in economic development in Africa, having worked for the African Development Bank in Tunisia in 2009-2010 and for the World Bank in 2013. James has also contributed to public policy debates in his native South Sudan through his affiliation with the Sudd Institute (http://www.suddinstitute.org/publications/show/the-question-of-big-government-and-financial-viability-the-case-of-south-sudan/). After completing his teaching duties and receiving his diploma in May, James says, "My first priority is to pursue opportunities that would enable me to contribute to economic development in South Sudan."