Vivien Foster

Vivien Foster has established herself as a leading authority in infrastructure economics and development policy at the World Bank, where she serves as Chief Economist for the Infrastructure Vice-Presidency. Her remarkable 20-year career at the World Bank began in 1999 as a Young Professional, progressing through various leadership positions including Global Lead for Energy Economics, Markets and Institutions, Practice Manager of the Global Energy Anchor, and Lead Economist for Infrastructure in the Africa Region. Her academic credentials include degrees from prestigious institutions: a graduate degree from Oxford University, a Master's from Stanford University, and a Doctorate in Economics from University College London. Foster has spearheaded numerous influential research initiatives, including "Water, Electricity and the Poor," "Africa's Infrastructure," "Building Bridges," and "The Energy Progress Report." Her expertise spans infrastructure policy, economic regulation, and sustainable development, contributing to projects in over 30 countries across Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Before joining the World Bank, she worked as a Managing Consultant at Oxford Economic Research Associates Ltd in the UK, where she advised on water and energy industry regulations. Her work has been particularly influential in shaping policies for sustainable energy development and infrastructure financing in developing economies.