Salim Mapila was born and raised in Lilongwe, Malawi. Most recently, he taught economics as a Lecturer at Blantyre International University and the Catholic University of Malawi. Prior to entering academia, he worked as an Economist at the Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Consortium and as an Enumerator with the International Food Policy and Research Institute. Salim holds a master’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s degree in social science with a focus on economics and psychology from Chancellor College, University of Malawi.