Africa’s leading economists, policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners have begun a three-day Research and Policy Summit in Nairobi to examine sustainable and inclusive pathways for the continent’s economic transformation. The summit is hosted by the African Economic Research Consortium under the theme A Renewed AERC for Africa’s New Development Priorities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary Bonface Barasa Makokha delivered remarks on behalf of National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. Mbadi urged African economies to reclaim control of their development agenda by shifting from externally driven models to locally defined prosperity.
He said Africa’s growth should prioritise inclusive prosperity, resilient systems, and dignified livelihoods. According to Mbadi, foreign aid has long supported economies, but it has also restricted autonomy. He noted that African countries possess abundant human talent, fertile land, digital capability, and entrepreneurial capacity that should form the foundation of long-term development.
The summit brings together prominent figures including AERC Board Chair and Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Reserve Bank of South Africa Governor Dr Lesetja Kganyago, Bank of Uganda Governor Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, Vice Governor of the Bank of Central African States Michel Dzombala and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Zambia Dr Francis Chipimo.
AERC Executive Director Prof Victor Murinde said the summit provides a platform to respond to Africa’s evolving macroeconomic and development challenges. He highlighted AERC’s new 10-year Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2035, which integrates research excellence, mentorship, and capacity building to support the next generation of African economists.
During the opening ceremony, AERC launched the African Private Sector Platform, a new initiative to deepen collaboration between researchers and private sector actors. AERC Board Chair Prof Ernest Aryeetey said the platform will support private sector led economic transformation by creating a structured space for evidence-based engagement and policy dialogue.
The summit also featured a high-level roundtable with central bank governors from Uganda, West Africa, and Zambia. Discussions focused on economic headwinds, policy coordination, and strategies for long-term resilience.
Over the next three days, researchers will present new studies across key thematic areas including macroeconomic policy, regional integration, labour markets, climate resilience, financial sector development, and the digital economy. Outputs from these sessions will support policymakers across African economies.
Established in 1988, AERC continues to serve as a leading institution for economic research and training in Africa, promoting independent analytical work that guides policy formulation and strengthens the continent’s role in global economic debates.
