Dr. Yakama Manty Jones (Nee Mara) is an Economist, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist with more than thirteen (13) years of professional experience serving in the public and private sectors in roles of progressive responsibility. A self-directed multipotentialite currently managing a portfolio career as Director of Research and Delivery in the Sierra Leone Ministry of Finance, leading the generation of evidence to inform and enable evidence-based strategic policy design and implementation in the economic and public financial management space.
Yakama is highly skilled in economic research and advisory, data analysis, public financial management, project management, digital transformation, and capacity building. With a deep understanding of the efficiency and catalytic impact of systems approaches to public service delivery on development outcomes, she provides thought-leadership, design-advisory and coordination support to national, regional and global human capital development strategies whilst leveraging data, innovation and technology.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Jones invests in the domestic economy, creates opportunities for women’s economic empowerment, and brings private sector experiences to enhance policy and decision-making spaces. She invests in communities through board roles, mentorship programmes and the Yak Jones Foundation focused on improving literacy in Sierra Leone, especially girls’ education, as part of contributions toward inclusive growth and alleviating the suffering of the underserved.
Yakama also shares her expertise as a lecturer in Economics and Econometrics at the University of Sierra Leone, a public speaker and training facilitator. She is committed to continuous personal growth and development whilst bringing other women along. Thus networks prolifically and part of leadership programmes such as the Amujae Leadership Programme at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development.
Dr. Jones holds a BSc. (Hons) in Economics ; a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics; MSc. Finance and Economics ; MRes. International Business and Economic Development; PhD Finance and Economics; Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Oxford and an Executive Certificate in Economic Development from the Harvard Kennedy School.