About

Overview

The Development Research Institute (DRI) at NYU is a global leader in advancing empirical research on economic growth, institutions, and inclusion. Its work spans topics from rural finance to migration, infrastructure to governance, generating evidence-based insights that inform policy and practice around the world.

In 2025, DRI with its Wahba Initiative, the Financial Access Initiative, Africa House, and the Center for Technology and Economic Development, are a unified platform that integrates rigorous academic research with forward-looking policy engagement. Together, these programs connect 
deep-rooted development challenges to global economic and strategic shifts, advancing inclusive growth, resilience,
 and security.

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Founded at the Wilson Center in 2023 and relaunched in 2025 as
part of NYU’s DRI, the Wahba Initiative for Strategic Competition (WISC) examines how development, resilient infrastructure, technological leadership, economic strength, and alliances can reinforce prosperity 
and stability in an era of geopolitical competition.

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Quick Links

Explore how NYU’s Development Research Institute—home to the Wahba Initiative for Strategic Competition—advances insight and action at the intersection of global development and strategic competition. Access timely research, expert analysis, and region-specific commentary across DRI and 
WISC’s shared mission.

Affiliates

In addition to its Wahba Initiative for Strategic Competition (WISC), DRI engages a constellation of affiliated initiatives and centers—each bringing complementary strengths and extending its reach. Collectively, they represent a robust, globally connected ecosystem dedicated to advancing inclusive growth, fostering resilient systems, and shaping policies that strengthen prosperity and stability worldwide.

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Financial Access Initiative (FAI)

Housed at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of 
Public Service, the Financial Access Initiative is a leading research center focused on how financial services can empower low-income households around the world. FAI conducts rigorous research on microfinance, digital financial services, consumer protection, and fintech innovations—working closely with partners across NYU, including DRI, to generate insights that inform policy and improve financial inclusion at scale.

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NYU Africa House

Africa House is an interdisciplinary research and 
policy center at NYU that fosters collaboration across economics, governance, arts, and education. With 
a focus on African-led development and global partnerships, Africa House provides fellowships, 
hosts public forums, and supports scholarship that amplifies African voices in development discourse—strengthening ties between NYU and institutions across the continent.

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Center for Technology, Economics, and Development (CTED)

The Center for Technology, Economics, and Development (CTED), led by Prof. Yaw Nyarko (NYU) and Prof. Raša Karapandža (EBS & NYU), is dedicated to solving critical economic challenges in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa through innovative, technology-driven solutions. Many communities in these regions struggle with missing markets for agricultural products, inefficient land administration, limited financial access for smallholder farmers, as well as the underutilization of cultural heritage and art as a driver for economic growth. These issues not only hinder the growth of the local economies but also deepen poverty and create systemic barriers to development.