Abdelkarim Sma is currently the Lead Regional Economist at the Asia and Pacific Division of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
In this capacity, he provides strategic advice and analytical support to agricultural investments in over 20 countries in the region. Prior to his current assignment, he acted as IFAD country director and Lead Regional Economist in Near East and North Africa division.
Sma joined IFAD after spending about seven years coordinating the international operations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in North Africa. Prior to that assignment, he spent 8 years in a major international consultancy where he held the position of head of agri-business department.
Sma holds a master’s degree in agricultural economics as well as an engineering degree in agricultural biotechnologies. He speaks Arabic, French and English.