Megan A Zhan Yamoah is a development economist and second-year PhD student in Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Megan is also Co-Founder and Product Development Lead at Gifftid, a social impact start-up that aims to build a digital platform to support small and medium enterprises in their impact and growth.

Megan’s doctoral research focuses on innovation ecosystems in emerging economies, particularly in Africa, examining the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology adaptation, and economic development. Megan’s current work investigates the role of local and foreign venture capital in funding innovation ecosystems in Africa, with a particular interest in differences in risk tolerance and local knowledge.

Prior to her doctoral studies, Megan earned an MPhil in Economics from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and a B.Sc. in Physics and Electrical Engineering from MIT. Her diverse background includes experience in management consulting at BCG and Dalberg Advisors.

The daughter of immigrants from Ghana and Thailand, Megan brings a unique perspective to her work in development economics. She is fluent in English and Mandarin. Outside of her academic pursuits, Megan is an avid contemporary dancer, baker, and film photographer.