How can we eradicate poverty? That is the question that underpins a majority of development programs. But what if by asking that question, we are limiting our capacity to actually eradicate poverty and create prosperity? In this heartfelt and passionate talk, Efosa Ojomo explains how our framing of the problem of poverty is hindering our progress. He suggests a different way to solve the global poverty problem.

An alumnus of the prestigious Forum for Growth and Innovation Center at the Harvard Business School (HBS), Ojomo works alongside colleague and mentor Professor Clay Christensen in their shared goal to discover, develop and disseminate robust and accessible theory in the areas of disruptive innovation and general management as it relates to economic development.

Ojomo’s body of work will ultimately help entrepreneurs, policy makers and development practitioners spur prosperity in their regions.

Specifically, Ojomo’s research examines how emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and Asia can engender prosperity for their citizens by focusing on investments in market creating innovations, such as M-PESA, the mobile money transfer platform in Kenya.

Ojomo graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University with a degree in computer engineering. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx