Dr. Awa Seck

Biography

Awa Ambra Seck is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Her research focuses on the enduring effects of colonial policies and the critical role of cultural traits in shaping policy effectiveness. She explores historical legacies, colonial military deployments, and administrative systems that have influenced migration networks, economic development, and political mobilization in Africa. For instance, her work on 'En Route' examines how the deployment of Moroccan soldiers during the French colonial period established migration networks that continue to shape the economic outcomes of communities of origin. Additionally, she investigates the importance of cultural institutions and age-set systems prevalent in pre-colonial African societies in determining the effectiveness of modern development policies. By integrating ethnographic research with economic analysis, her work emphasizes the need for tailored policies that align with the social structures and traditions of target communities to improve the impact and sustainability of development initiatives. Professor Seck earned her Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University in 2023 and is recognized as an Academy Scholar at the Harvard Academy for International Area Studies for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Research Interests