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International and local Economic Policy leaders and stakeholders kicked off a three-day high-level Research and Policy summit, hosted by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), to explore pathways to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The eminent Economists, Policymakers, Scholars, Private Sector leaders and development partners are attending this year’s AERC Research and Policy Summit, hosted under the theme: “A Renewed AERC for Africa’s New Development Priorities”.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, graced by the State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary Bonface Barasa Makokha, AERC Executive Director Prof. Victor Murinde described the Research and Policy summit as a timely platform geared at fostering stakeholder support to address pressing macroeconomic and development challenges in Africa.

Eminent leaders attending the hybrid AERC Research and Policy Summit include AERC Board Chair and Emeritus Professor, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Prof. 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, Central Bank of Zambia, Dr Francis Chipimo, among others.

The AERC Research and Policy Summit, he confirmed, will explore pathways to sustainable and inclusive economic growth while mainstreaming AERC’s role as an economic policy think tank. This year’s Research and Policy Summit he added, is also aligned with the new AERC 10-year Strategic Plan (2025-2035).

“Through the integration of research excellence, mentorship, and capacity building, the AERC aims to nurture a new generation of African economists ready to conduct frontier research, lead economic policy engagement and drive sustainable development efforts across Africa, “said Prof. Murinde.

As a continental economic research policy body, AERC, he stated, is undergoing a deliberate and strategic transition in response to Africa’s evolving development priorities.

Prof Murinde further added “This Research and Policy Summit provides an important platform to reaffirm our commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant research and to launch a strategy that strengthens Africa’s capacity to craft evidence-based solutions for the continent’s most pressing economic challenges.”

At the opening ceremony, AERC also unveiled its new African Private Sector Platform (APSP), an initiative designed to deepen collaboration between AERC researchers and Africa’s private sector. 

While commenting on the launch of the new APSP and the AERC Strategic Plan 2025-2035, AERC Board Chair Prof. Ernest Aryeetey said the launch of the platform provides an opportunity to scale up active engagements in the private-sector-led economic transformation agenda across Africa.

“Today marks a significant milestone for AERC as we convene partners and stakeholders to reflect on our mission and unveil our new 10-year strategy. This strategy reinforces our dedication to nurturing world-class African economists, deepening policy engagement, and ensuring that African perspectives shape regional and global economic discourse. The launch of our new Private Sector Platform further strengthens this commitment by creating a structured avenue for collaboration with industry, enabling evidence-informed advocacy and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and competitiveness across the continent,” said Prof. Aryeetey.

The Summit also featured a High-Level Roundtable bringing together Central Bank Governors from Uganda, West African States, and Zambia to examine and discuss prevailing economic headwinds, policy coordination, and long-term resilience for African economies. 

Finally, fellows were awarded with distinguished service awards at the Gala Dinner that marked the end of day 1.