Omano Edigheji

Dr Edigheji is visionary global executive and thought leader with over 30 years of experience in public policy, governance, strategic partnerships, and African Higher Education.

His experience spans government, business, academia, think-tanks, and development foundations. He is currently a non-Executive Board member of ihifix, a triple helix technology company. He previously served as Special Adviser to Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, and Chief Technical Adviser on Public Sector reforms at the South African Public Service Commission. Dr. Edigheji was a Research Director in the Policy Analysis Unit of the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa and Research Manager at the Johannesburg based policy think-tank Centre for Policy Studies.

A recognized development expert with a PhD in Political Science specializing in the Political Economy of Development. Adept at engaging with heads of state, ministers, and senior bureaucrats to drive impactful reforms. Played a pivotal role in shaping policies such as the South Africa’s National Development Plan, the Kaduna State Development Plan in Nigeria, and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016–2025).

A prolific author and researcher with widely cited publications influencing major policies, including those of the UNDP and UNECA. Led high-level multi-stakeholder engagements, including the first-ever Continental Summit on African Higher Education in Dakar, attended by global leaders and policymakers. A trusted adviser to governments, regional institutions, and development agencies, including NEPAD, UNECA, IDEP, GIZ, JICA, and the African Development Bank.

He has published extensively, including two books on governance, globalisation and the developmental state. He has lectured at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.

A dynamic leader with a proven ability to manage diverse teams, mentor professionals, and drive measurable impact. A sought-after commentator on governance and development, regularly contributing to media platforms such as Al Jazeera, SABC, NTA, and Channels TV. Demonstrated ability to work independently in international and remote settings, successfully leading TrustAfrica’s programmes for six years, expanding its reach, and delivering transformative results.