Dr Gabriel Pollen

A Dedicated Public Servant and Economist Shaping Zambia’s Future Dr. Gabriel Pollen currently serves as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Zambia, a pivotal role he assumed on February 21, 2025. In this capacity, Dr. Pollen is instrumental in advancing decentralized governance, ensuring the delivery of high-quality municipal services, and driving socio-economic development across Zambia’s communities. His appointment reflects his proven track record of leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service. Prior to this role, Dr. Pollen served as the National Coordinator of Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Office of the Vice President from December 2021 to February 2025. During his tenure, he spearheaded disaster response strategies, notably addressing drought challenges through innovative collaborations with former coordinators and mining companies to integrate disaster risk management. His leadership at DMMU showcased his ability to navigate complex crises with strategic foresight and dedication. A distinguished economist, Dr. Pollen holds a PhD in Economics from SOAS University of London and brings over 15 years of experience in academia, research, and public policy. His career began in 2004 as an intern at the Bank of Zambia in the Financial Markets Department, before transitioning to academia in 2005. At the University of Zambia (UNZA), he served as a teaching assistant, lecturer, and researcher in the Department of Economics, contributing to curriculum development and serving on the Academic Appointments Committee. His academic journey also took him to the University of Huddersfield in 2016 and 2017, where he lectured and supervised postgraduate dissertations. Dr. Pollen’s research focuses on economic growth, structural transformation, and trade, with notable publications on Zambia’s copper export dependency and Aid for Trade strategies. His expertise has been sought by global organizations such as the World Bank and Oxfam International, for which he conducted fieldwork in Zambia and Mozambique. As a thought leader, he has actively contributed to public discourse through his blog and media engagements, offering insightful commentary on Zambia’s national budget, currency dynamics, and trade policies. Known for his commitment to honesty, integrity, and competence, Dr. Pollen continues to shape Zambia’s development landscape. In his current role as Permanent Secretary, he is poised to drive transformative policies that empower local communities and foster sustainable growth, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s socio-economic fabric.