Professor Jenny Aker is the Daniel G. Sisler Professor of Development Economics at Cornell University and a leading scholar in the field of economic development, with a particular focus on Africa. Her work examines how information, technology, and digital innovations can improve development outcomes and expand economic opportunities in low-income countries.
Professor Aker’s research focuses on the intersection of information technology and development, with key interests in agriculture, environmental sustainability, adult education, social protection, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding how mobile technology, digital identification systems, and information access can improve livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience.
In addition to her role at Cornell University, she serves as Co-Chair of the Digital Identification and Finance Initiative in Africa (DigiFI Africa) at J-PAL Africa, based at the University of Cape Town. Through this initiative, she supports research and policy efforts aimed at expanding access to digital identification and financial services across the African continent.
Before joining Cornell, Professor Aker served as Professor of Development Economics at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Department of Economics at Tufts University. She also held the position of Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa at Catholic Relief Services, where she gained extensive practical experience in development programming and humanitarian interventions.
Professor Aker earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout her career, she has conducted extensive field research across numerous countries in Africa and Latin America, combining rigorous academic research with practical policy engagement.
Professor Aker is recognized internationally for her contributions to development economics and continues to influence policy, research, and practice through her work on digital technologies, poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.