UK based, Zambian female economist who once made billionaires uncomfortable has just taken a seat at one of the world’s biggest corporate tables.
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Dr Dambisa Moyo, known for her unflinching critiques of global economic systems has been appointed to the Board of Directors of one of world’s coffeehouse giant with more than 40,000 outlets worldwide, Starbucks.
Starbucks is an American company that operates the largest coffeehouse chain and one of the most recognisable brands in the world.
The company confirmed in a statement that Dr. Moyo’s appointment took effect on June 25, 2025.
This appointment has placed the globally respected economist alongside 10 other directors at the helm of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) listed multinational.
For this writer and many other Zambians, the news has revived the memory of a line in Pompi’s song “Mizu”, where the gospel artiste delivered a poetic tribute which reads: “Innovation, creation, that is the key, ah, theory is a law to supply a need, ah. Law and creativity, high on degrees, ah. Dambisa Moyo gave us a seed, ah.”
Born in Lusaka, the 56 year old economist studied Chemistry at the University of Zambia before completing her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and MBA in Finance at American University in Washington, D.C.
She later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Economics from Oxford University.
Dr Moyo began her career at the World Bank and later joined Goldman Sachs as a research economist, before stepping fully into the public eye with her 2009 international bestseller book, Dead Aid.
The book unsettled development circles across the globe and earned her both praise and criticism.
Among her most vocal critics was Bill Gates, who strongly disagreed with her views, calling her arguments harmful and “evil” to Africa’s progress.
Dr Moyo followed up with a string of books that addressed urgent global questions such as How the West Was Lost, Winner Take All, Edge of Chaos and most recently, How Boards Work.
She currently co-heads Versaca Investments, a firm she co-founded in 2021.
Over the years, she has served on the boards of several global companies including Chevron, 3M, Barclays, Condé Nast, SABMiller and Seagate Technology.
In 2022, she was appointed to the UK House of Lords, which earned her the title Baroness Moyo of Knightsbridge and continues to influence global policy and economic discourse from that seat.
Commenting on her new role at Starbucks, Dr. Moyo said she was honoured to join a brand known for more than just its coffee.
“It’s a privilege to join the Starbucks Board of Directors and contribute to a company that has become a global symbol of connection, resilience and innovation,” she said.
“Starbucks’ commitment to uplifting local communities and creating economic opportunities worldwide is inspiring. I look forward to supporting the company’s long-term growth as it continues to lead with purpose, impact and integrity.”
And Starbucks chairman and CEO Laxman Narasimhan (formerly CEO of Reckitt) described Dr Moyo and her fellow new appointee, Marissa Mayer, the former CEO of Yahoo, as “deeply experienced in areas that matter to the future,” including technology, transformation and global affairs.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, July 17, 2025
