André François CARVALHO, originally from Ziguinchor, is a geographer and economist, holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Amsterdam. After studying in Senegal, France, and the Netherlands, he worked for thirty years at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), serving in various capacities, including assignments in Africa and senior management positions in New York and Bonn. Since his retirement in 2012, he has continued to put his expertise in planning and regional development at the service of governments and international organizations.