QUARTZ, the digital journalism platform focusing on the global economy, has selected Jennifer Blanke, the African Development Bank vice president as a “Quartz Pro” contributor. Quartz Pros are featured in Quartz’s recently launched app aimed at civil discussion by smart people about the news.

Blanke, an economist responsible for the Bank’s Agriculture, Human and Social Development portfolio, joins a group of recognised global leaders commenting at Quartz, including: entrepreneur Richard Branson; Sue Desmond-Hellman, the CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Dambisa Moyo, the global economist and author; Kristalina Georgieva, the World Bank CEO; Roxanne Taylor, the former chief marketing and communications officer at Accenture; and David Miliband, the president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee.

“Quartz Pros are achievers, thought leaders, and executives, who offer valuable insight into the biggest news of the day, by commenting on stories in the Quartz App. Given Dr. Blanke’s extensive experience in global economics as well as her expertise in development in Africa, Jennifer was a natural choice to expand the depth and breadth of our Quartz Pro voices,” Ian Myers, the general manager of Platform at Quartz said.

The Quartz Pros are a community of hand-picked, high-profile commenters whose contributions are highlighted in the app. Quartz coverage of the global economy is organized around core topics and questions of importance to business professionals.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the global conversation about news and events via the Quartz app,” Blanke said. “Quartz journalists are covering stories and reporting on solutions to Africa’s development challenges, often in areas where other digital platforms don’t have a presence. I look forward to further engagement with Quartz readers.”

Quartz platforms reach over 100 million people worldwide, with its websites attracting 22 million visits per month. Quartz users are C-suite executives, up-and-coming business leaders, and the next wave of mobile-native strategists and innovators. Seventy-two percent of Quartz’s audience access content via mobile phone.

– Feb. 19, 2019 @ 14:55 GMT |