News

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the Bank of Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in advancing economic research and policy development across the continent.

Prof. Victor Murinde, the AERC Executive Director, led a delegation from AERC to pay a courtesy call on Dr. Johnson P. Asiama, Governor, Bank of Ghana, on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, in Accra, Ghana. Prof. Murinde was delighted to note that the Governor, as well as his Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, are both AERC alumni.

Reflecting on AERC’s legacy, Prof. Murinde noted that over the last 37 years the Consortium has contributed significantly to capacity building for research, knowledge generation and training to inform economic policies in Africa and to strengthen economic institutions. He further explained that the Consortium is now embarking on an ambitious Strategic Plan 2025–2035, themed “Reinventing the AERC for delivering Africa’s inclusive economic prosperity”, which aims to: (i) transform the AERC to become the locus of excellence for economic research that resonates with Africa’s economic challenges; (ii) twin doctoral training in Africa’s universities with the top universities globally; and (iii) embed engagement with government policy makers and private sector practitioners in Africa.

The meeting also served as a platform to explore future areas of mutual interest and engagement between the two institutions. In this regard, the AERC proposed a framework for collaboration with the Bank of Ghana for joint research projects in the key strategic areas. 

The discussion further highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships, with both parties recognizing the value of aligning research with Africa’s evolving economic landscape.

It is worth noting that the Bank of Ghana is a member of the AERC Central Bank Governors’ Forum. The programme was set up in 2014 to ensure African stakeholdership for the long-term sustainability of AERC’s mission and work on the continent. 

In his remarks, Dr. Asiama expressed appreciation for the AERC, noting that the perspectives shared were truly invaluable. “I do believe that our discussion has opened up more exciting possibilities for collaboration and I am excited about the potential synergy between the two institutions and the positive impact we could have together,” said Dr. Asiama, adding that they are looking forward to the next steps in the partnership journey.