By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY
Dr. Bernard Tawiah has spent his career breaking down barriers in Africa, Europe, Australasia, and America. Whether they have been cultural, professional, or geographic, he has constantly risen to the challenges during a journey that has seen him move from Ghana to Washington DC, via Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Can you tell us about your early life and educational background?
I was born in Koforidua, Ghana, to a taxi driver and a fishmonger. Education was always seen as the key to success in my family. My uncle, an educationist, noticed my aptitude for numbers early on and encouraged me to pursue a career in business. I earned a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honors from the University of Cape Coast Ghana, an MSc in Investment Analysis with distinction from the University of Stirling – United Kingdom, and a PhD in Finance from Victoria University of Wellington – New Zealand, where I was a Wellington Doctoral Scholar.
How did your career begin, and what foundational roles have you held?
As a Chartered Certified Accountant, I started with pro bono Accounting and Finance Services in private practice and ventured into business development which provided me with a solid foundation in the practical applications of finance. At Spark New Zealand, I served as Chief Finance Officer for the Security and Telco Tribes, leading over 200 IT professionals. The fast-paced nature of the telecommunications industry underscored the need for robust financial strategies. This role demanded not just an understanding of finance but also the ability to foresee market trends and adapt accordingly. These experiences significantly influenced my academic research incorporate finance specifically in areas such as risk management, capital budgeting, and corporate finance strategies.
How do your current roles at the World Bank Group and Bristol Business School align with your professional goals?
Since January 2024, I have been a consultant in the Economic and Market Research Department at the International Finance Corporation (IFC); World Bank Group in Washington, USA. Our work at the IFC is crucial in deepening capital markets in emerging economies. My role involves translating quantitative data into actionable economic reports, supporting IFC’s strategic objectives and the development of capital markets in developing countries. These consultancy opportunities help me stay ahead of the curve and bring real-world insights into the classroom. As an Assistant Professor, I believe a good academic blends practical experiences with theoretical concepts to enrich students’ learning. This current experience and experiences from the past make my teaching and research practice led. More importantly, I get to contribute my expertise at the highest level of development finance within one of the world’s leading development organizations, helping to advance the financial sector, particularly in Africa, where I am from.
What are your research interests and contributions to the field?
My research interests include entrepreneurial finance, sustainability finance, and corporate finance. The papers I have already published and those I am currently working on are characterized by their originality, significance, rigor, and impact. The challenges the world faces now are complex and need to be looked at from multiple lenses. As an accounting and finance scholar, I tackle these challenges from a finance perspective. My work has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Banking and Finance and presented at several international conferences. Despite the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, there still exists a funding gap for sustainable projects that needs to be addressed. As a member of the Sustainable Economies Research Group at Bristol Business School, my research contributes to understanding innovative financing products that can effectively support the funding of sustainable projects. For instance, on May 5th, 2023, I had the privilege of being invited to speak at the “ESG Investing, Finance and Transition to Net Zero Symposium” on the topic of “Climate finance: Challenges, barriers, and financial mechanisms.” During this event in Bristol, I engaged with financial experts, economists, local authorities, and practitioners to discuss innovative sustainable financial instruments that can help bridge the funding gap. This external engagement reinforces my potential as a leader and dedication to making a real and measurable impact in the field. In the area of entrepreneurial finance, I continue to push the frontiers of knowledge on what financing sources are available, what has worked, and what has not for entrepreneurs.
Can you elaborate on your passion for Africa and its development?
I remain deeply committed to the development of Africa.There are many positive changes happening on the continent, but there are challenges as well. Despite contributing the least to climate and sustainability issues, Africa faces the most severe consequences. Stakeholders such as governments, private sectors, and development institutions would have toleverage innovative financing tools like blended finance to tackle these challenges. Additionally, Africa’s youthful demographics present a significant opportunity. Today, more than 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. By 2030, young Africans are expected to constitute 42% of global youth. Developing entrepreneurial skills among the youth can drive significant progress, and entrepreneurial finance will be key. My research will continue to explore financing innovative ideas and securing funding for African entrepreneurs throughout the various venture capital stages. I urge the youth to dream big, take risks, gain financial literacy, and believe in themselves on their journey, regardless of their background.
