Dr. Howard Ayo is the Executive Director and founder of Norms Africa Development. His focus is advocating for measures, particularly global and state public policies, to address power imbalances, inequalities, and deprivations in human development. With over seventeen years of experience in Africa and Europe, he has conducted interdisciplinary research on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Howard's interest lies in creating practical tools and resources to influence norms diffusion in developing countries and influence non-state actors' behaviours, especially business enterprises, civil society, and development agencies. Currently, his research is centred on evaluating the effectiveness of the Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant in promoting economic growth and human capital development in Uganda's decentralised states. He has previously researched the impact of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights on human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly contributing to policy discussions in Kenya, Liberia, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda.

In addition to his research, Howard has shared his knowledge through teaching, conferences, seminars, and guest lectures at various esteemed institutions, including Ulster University, Queen's University, University College London, Swansea University, University of Manchester, University of Calgary, University of Copenhagen, and Ambrose University. His efforts have led to enhancements in public policy decision-making processes for state institutions, development partners, civil society, and grassroots organisations, focusing on capacity-building, including integrating gender perspectives and a human rights-based approach in development programs.