Our People

Alex Nester Jiya is a Research and Policy Analyst, and an Acting Lead of the Governance and Accountability Theme.

Prior to joining AFIDEP, Alex worked as a Consultant at Alwayn Consulting Group, where he conducted policy and governance research, managed data analysis, developed technical proposals, and facilitated training programmes. Earlier in his career, he worked in the banking sector as a research intern with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo, Egypt and as an Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Specialist at First Capital Bank (formerly First Merchant Bank).

Alex is passionate about data and has served as a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) in the United Nations E-Government Surveys for 2022, 2024 and 2026.

Alex holds a PhD in Governance and Regional Integration and a Master of Science degree in Governance and Regional Integration from the African Union’s Pan-African University-Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) under the African Union Commission scholarship programme. He also holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Economics)from the University of Malawi.

His professional interests include democratic governance, public policy, political economy, institutional development, evidence-informed decision-making, and strengthening transparency and oversight systems across Africa. He is particularly committed to advancing research that informs sustainable development, strengthens public institutions, and enhances socioeconomic outcomes across Africa.