Willard has over three years of conducting public policy research and advocacy initiatives. Prior to joining the ACF, he worked as a policy analyst and associate researcher at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) in Lusaka. Willard has also previously worked as a research assistant to Carlos Lopes. Willard’s interests lie in climate policy, green finance, industrialisation, political economy, and sustainable development.

Willard is a Master of Development Economics and International Development graduate from the University of Cape Town, a 2018 Mandela Rhodes scholar. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Development Studies from the University of Zambia. Willard is a former president of the University of Zambia Business and Economics Association.