Profile

Nara Monkam is an Associate Professor of Public Economics and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria. She leads collaborative, policy-engaged research that strengthens evidence-based decision-making and promotes reform across public finance and governance systems. As Chair in Municipal Finance, she works closely with African cities to co-develop innovative solutions in fiscal decentralization, municipal finance, and property tax reform, advancing local government sustainability and urban resilience.

Previously, she was Director of Research at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and served on South Africa’s Davis Tax Committee, contributing to national tax policy reform. Her expertise includes public economics, domestic resource mobilization, intergovernmental fiscal relations, tax policy and administration, and property taxation reforms.

Nara Monkam holds a PhD in Economics from Georgia State University and a Master’s in Economics from the University of Namur. Her work sits at the intersection of policy, practice, and scholarship, driving impact where it matters most.