African Economic Research Consortium

African Economic Research Consortium African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is a capacity building institution informing economic pol That mission rests on two basic premises.

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), established in 1988 is a public not-for-profit organization devoted to the advancement of economic policy research and training. AERC's mission is to strengthen local capacity for conducting independent, rigorous inquiry into the problems facing the management of economies in sub-Saharan Africa. First, that development is more likely to occur where

there is sustained sound management of the economy. Second, that such management is more likely to happen where there is an active, well-informed group of locally based professional economists to conduct policy-relevant research. Specifically, then, AERC intends to:


Enhance the capacity of locally based researchers to conduct policy-relevant economic inquiry,
Promote the retention of such capacity, and
Encourage its application in the policy context. Donor governments, private foundations, and African and international organizations support the AERC programme, which has two primary components: research and training. The AERC Research Programme uses a flexible approach towards improving the technical skills of local researchers, allowing for regional determination of research priorities and strengthening national institutions concerned with economic policy research. The programme also fosters closer ties between researchers and policy makers. The Training Programme supports both master's and doctoral level studies in economics and helps improve the capacities of departments of economics in public universities across the continent. A comprehensive communications and outreach strategy encourages the application of AERC products to economic policy making.

The 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings theme, ‘Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,’ capture...
28/05/2026

The 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings theme, ‘Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,’ captures the central challenge facing African policymakers today.

As global financing dynamics continue to shift, policymakers, economists, and development leaders will tomorrow convene for a timely dialogue on “New Evidence on China-Africa Economic Relations: Implications for Mobilizing Development Finance in a Fragmenting World.”

Hosted by AERC in partnership with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), the session will explore how African economies can strengthen macro-fiscal resilience, mobilize sustainable financing, and navigate evolving global partnerships amid declining traditional development aid.

Drawing from the 2026 China-Africa Economic Bulletin, the discussion will unpack emerging trends in trade, investment, debt sustainability, climate finance, and transition minerals, and what they mean for Africa’s development future.

Read more on the event here:- https://bit.ly/4vihwSj
Read more on the 2026 China-Africa Economic Bulletin here:- https://bit.ly/3PT7FmC

The 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings theme, ‘Mobilising Africa's Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,’ capture...
28/05/2026

The 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings theme, ‘Mobilising Africa's Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,’ captures the central challenge facing African policymakers today.

As global financing dynamics continue to shift, policymakers, economists, and development leaders will tomorrow convene for a timely dialogue on “New Evidence on China-Africa Economic Relations: Implications for Mobilizing Development Finance in a Fragmenting World.”

Hosted by AERC in partnership with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), the session will explore how African economies can strengthen macro-fiscal resilience, mobilize sustainable financing, and navigate evolving global partnerships amid declining traditional development aid.

Drawing from the 2026 China-Africa Economic Bulletin, the discussion will unpack emerging trends in trade, investment, debt sustainability, climate finance, and transition minerals, and what they mean for Africa’s development future.

Read more on the event here:- https://bit.ly/4vihwSj
Read more on the 2026 China-Africa Economic Bulletin here:- https://bit.ly/3PT7FmC

🔴 Happening today at the African Development Bank Annual Meetings: the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in p...
28/05/2026

🔴 Happening today at the African Development Bank Annual Meetings: the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in partnership with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), convenes policymakers, experts, and key stakeholders for a high-level dialogue on strengthening the Global Financial Safety Net (GFSN) in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.

The session will explore the evolving role of central banks in addressing the short-term and long-term macroeconomic effects of climate change, while advancing debt sustainability, domestic resource mobilization, and resilient financing solutions for African economies.

Read More here:- https://bit.ly/4u0WnuK

The African Economic Research Consortium is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Florence O. Opondo, who serve...
27/05/2026

The African Economic Research Consortium is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Florence O. Opondo, who served as a Visiting Lecturer in the AERC Collaborative Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics (CMAAE) programme under the Shared Facility for Specialization and Electives (SFSE) from 2022 to 2025.

Dr. Opondo was also the Principal Investigator of the AERC Research Grant under the AERC-Gates Foundation- funded Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in African Retail Markets ( ) project from 2023 to 2026.

In the PASHFARM project, she was a committed researcher, an inspiring team leader, and a passionate advocate for evidence-based policy research aimed at improving food systems and livelihoods in Africa. Her dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit greatly enriched the project and positively impacted colleagues, students, and partners who had the privilege of working with her.

She served as a Senior Lecturer and Chair of the Department of Commerce in the School of Business and Economics at Laikipia University, Kenya. Dr. Opondo will be remembered as a distinguished scholar, mentor, and leader whose contributions to academia, research, policy engagement and community service leave a lasting legacy.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, students, and the entire Laikipia University community during this difficult time.

May her soul rest in eternal peace

Africa's real GDP is projected to grow 3.9% in 2025 and 4% in 2026 but structural vulnerabilities remain. Exports are st...
25/05/2026

Africa's real GDP is projected to grow 3.9% in 2025 and 4% in 2026 but structural vulnerabilities remain. Exports are still concentrated in raw commodities, and rising debt service costs risk crowding out investment in the energy transition.

Our 2026 China–Africa Economic Bulletin, developed in collaboration with Boston University Global Development Policy Center, tracks a new phase in China's economic engagement with Africa; across trade, investment, and development finance.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
💡 Africa–China bilateral trade hit a record $275 billion in 2024- with China accounting for 28% of Africa's total imports and 16% of exports, and ranking as the leading export destination for 19 out of 54 African countries.

💡 Africa's exports to China remain 87–91% extractives: copper, bauxite, chromium, manganese and cobalt lead. Imports from China are 94–95% manufactured goods.

💡 China's exports of low-carbon technologies to Africa totalled $9.8 billion in 2024, concentrated in power generation, energy storage and pollution control and in just a few markets: South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria.

💡 Chinese FDI rebounded strongly in 2023–24, but growth is driven by a small number of large projects; not a broad-based surge. North Africa captured 70% of recent greenfield investment.

💡 Net capital flows from Chinese lenders to Africa have turned negative -Africa is now repaying more than it receives. Projected debt service costs in 2026–30 risk crowding out spending on health, education and the energy transition.

💡 Chinese loan commitments have fallen below $5 billion annually since 2020, after exceeding World Bank lending levels during the 2010s. No new lending to coal, oil or gas has been recorded since 2019.

💡 Looking ahead, China extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties in 2026 but whether this shifts trade composition depends on Africa's own industrial policy.

🗞️ Read the full bulletin: https://lnkd.in/dW3EWcH5

Authors: Abbi Kedir Mengdi Yue, Yiyuan Qi,Terrence Kairiza

🚨 FINAL HOURS TO APPLY!The application deadline for the 2026/2027 Fellowships for African Scholars in Peace, Security an...
24/05/2026

🚨 FINAL HOURS TO APPLY!
The application deadline for the 2026/2027 Fellowships for African Scholars in Peace, Security and Development is TODAY, 24 May 2026 at 23:59hrs EAT.

This fully funded opportunity by the African Leadership Centre (ALC) is designed for young African scholars passionate about shaping Africa’s future in leadership, peace, security, and development.

Take the next step toward becoming part of a transformative network of African leaders and changemakers.
🔗 Read more here:- https://bit.ly/3RYFO59

⏰ FINAL REMINDER: Applications for the Peace and Security Fellowships for Sudanese Women 2026/2027 close today at 23:59 ...
24/05/2026

⏰ FINAL REMINDER: Applications for the Peace and Security Fellowships for Sudanese Women 2026/2027 close today at 23:59 hrs EAT.

This fully funded fellowship by the African Leadership Centre is designed for Sudanese women driving change in peace, security, and leadership across the region.

If you are passionate about advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding and shaping Sudan’s future, this is your moment to apply.

🗓 Submission Deadline: 24 May 2026, 23:59 hrs EAT
🔗 Read more here: https://bit.ly/4dX6xHX

One more day to go. ⏳Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Associate Fellowships in Global Leadership and Peacebui...
23/05/2026

One more day to go. ⏳

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Associate Fellowships in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding by the African Leadership Centre (ALC).

The fellowship supports students from the Global South pursuing careers in leadership, peacebuilding, security, and development through the MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding programme at King’s College London.

Successful applicants will receive a 25% tuition bursary and £5,000 towards living expenses in London.

🗓 Submission Deadline: 24 May 2026, 23:59 hrs EAT
🔗 Read more & apply: https://bit.ly/49gh1PY

Evidence-based solutions are critical to unlocking Africa’s next growth chapter.Prof. Abbi Kedir, Ag. Executive Director...
21/05/2026

Evidence-based solutions are critical to unlocking Africa’s next growth chapter.

Prof. Abbi Kedir, Ag. Executive Director, AERC, will be speaking at the conference on Accelerating Productivity, Job Creation & Growth for Business Enterprises in South Africa hosted at the University of Pretoria.

The one-day event, co-organized by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) and World Bank’s Group Institute for Economic Development (IED), will bring together policymakers, financial institutions, academia, think tanks, and industry leaders to advance practical, evidence-driven solutions for enterprise growth, productivity, and sustainable job creation across Africa.

Read more: https://bit.ly/42MPFNU

Address

3rd Floor-Middle East Bank Towers Building, Jakaya Kikwete Road Road
Nairobi
00200

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+254202734150

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