Diego Ubfal

Diego Ubfal is a Senior Economist in the World Bank's Gender Group, where he contributes to the implementation of the 2024-2030 World Bank Group Gender Strategy. Diego leads the initiative to fast-track the Strategy in 26 Countries, and coordinate the Federation of Gender Innovation Labs. He leads the agenda on entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and gender, with a particular emphasis on the constraints faced by women-led businesses. He was Assistant Professor at Bocconi University, and he received his PhD from UCLA.

His research is in development economics, with focus on entrepreneurship, human capital development, networks and financial access. His research projects cover topics such as business training, soft-skills development, networks of entrepreneurs, access to markets, digital tools, school-to-work transitions, and financial inclusion. His publications span a wide range of development topics, including work-study programs, access to savings accounts, time preferences, attitudes towards immigrants, and agricultural extension services.