Paul Fagan began his career at IRI in 1995.  He currently serves as the Regional Director for Africa where he oversees the Institute’s programs in Kenya, Nigeria, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

From 1995 through 2002, Fagan was a part of IRI’s Eurasia Division.  During the early years of transition in the countries of the former Soviet Union, Fagan supported the Institute’s efforts in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.  He then focused on IRI’s programs in the Republic of Georgia and Azerbaijan.  

He left the Eurasia division in 2002 to serve as IRI’s first East Africa Resident Regional Director based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Fagan oversaw IRI’s programs ahead of Kenya’s historic 2002 elections and also implemented IRI’s first series of political party programs in Somaliland.  

In 2003, Fagan moved to South Africa as IRI’s Resident Country Director for Zimbabwe.  There, he implemented a political party program centered on leadership development and communications.  He served in this position through Zimbabwe’s parliamentary elections in 2005.  

Fagan came back to IRI’s headquarters in Washington, DC to serve as the acting Deputy Director for Africa.  In early 2006, he assumed the role of Deputy Director for Latin America and the Caribbean and oversaw IRI’s programs in Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela.

Over the past 14 years, Fagan has served on election observation missions in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Ukraine.

A graduate of The George Washington University, Fagan holds a bachelor's degree in international affairs.

Paul’s Speeches, Testimony and Writings:

U.S. Policy Toward Zimbabwe (PDF)

Can youth change the future of Africa?, CIPE Development Blog