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Analisa Ribeiro Bala | Pretoria, South Africa
M.A. Candidate (BC10) | Altiero Spinelli by Compagnia di San Paolo recipient
An accomplished researcher and analyst on country-specific and international economics policy, Analisa Ribeiro Bala chose SAIS for its emphasis on economics. "Policy needs to be based on sound economics, but must also be grounded in reality. The SAIS program offers that." But, she says, her interest in international relations began much earlier.
"My father had been an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa. We regularly discussed the state of the country and the nature of world politics around the dinner table. We still do."
These conversations led Analisa to volunteer in Mozambique and later shaped her course of study. After graduation, Analisa gained increasing responsibility in economic policy formulation first with the South African Institute for International Affairs and then with the National Treasury. She served in the International Finance directorate where she was the lead researcher and analyst on G-20 and IMF-related issues.
Analisa says that her experience at the South African Treasury allowed her to become involved with issues of financial reform and regulation and world economic and environmental trends.
"I was fortunate to work quite closely with an outstanding team, both at the Treasury and at the Presidency, including with former Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel," she says. "Of the definitive moments I had working at the Treasury the best was working with the Minister when he was appointed by the MD of the Fund to chair the committee on IMF Governance Reform."
Analisa plans to return to the Treasury after she graduates from SAIS. "I plan to return because I am committed to improving public service provision in South Africa, and service to my country reflects the lessons instilled in me by my father."
Degrees: University of Pretoria, BPolSci and Bachelor of Arts (Honors)
Majors: Political Analysis & Communication (first degree); International Relations
Languages: Afrikaans, Portuguese
SAIS area of concentration: International Economics & Latin American Studies
Other interests: Volunteer work, diving, rock climbing
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