Luca Crudeli

Luca Crudeli is a senior technical director at ACDI/VOCA, specializing in blue economy and market systems development.13 He joined the organization in May 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in market system development (MSD).3

Professional Background

Crudeli provides technical support and thought leadership to various ACDI/VOCA programs across several countries.3 His work focuses on enabling increased market share and income for the poor while preserving and reconstructing the marine environment.3 He has expertise in:

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating private sector development projects
• Supporting business environment reform
• Promoting multi-sector growth
• Advancing marine conservation

Prior to joining ACDI/VOCA, Crudeli worked on projects across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific for multiple donors, including USAID, the World Bank, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Australian Agency for International Development.1

Education and Specializations

Crudeli holds the following qualifications:

• PhD in Economics and Institutions from the University of Bologna, Italy
• MS in Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK
• Currently pursuing an MS in International Marine Science from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland

He is working to extend the use of systems thinking to sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors, known as "blue growth".1

Additional Roles and Interests

Besides his role at ACDI/VOCA, Crudeli is also the founder and president of Marine Market Systems, a non-profit enterprise dedicated to promoting economic growth in coastal areas while preserving the marine environment.3 He is an avid underwater photographer and marine environment activist.3

Crudeli is recognized for his strategic leadership in market systems development and his efforts to advance locally led development through innovative approaches like updating market systems diagnostic tools.2