International and local Economic Policy leaders and stakeholders have 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. 

In a speech read on his behalf by PS Makokha, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi challenged the delegates to focus on reclaiming the narrative of Africa’s economic prosperity. For decades, Africa’s development discourse, CS Mbadi noted, has been shaped by external prescriptions and reactive policies. 

“Today, we must reclaim our narrative. We must define development not merely as GDP growth, but as inclusive prosperity, resilient systems, and dignified livelihoods. Africa’s Moment is Now: Let us not be defined by our challenges, but by our courage. Let us not inherit development models—we must invent them to deliver Africa’s economic prosperity,” CS Mbadi said. 

While presenting the Kenyan example, CS Mbadi decried the African continent’s overreliance on foreign aid. 

Said Mbadi, “For decades, foreign aid has been a lifeline, but it has also been a leash —tying our progress to external goodwill rather than our own ingenuity. That era must now start giving way to a new chapter of self-reliance, innovation, and sustainable growth. Kenya, like other African countries, is not poor in resources. We are, for instance, rich in human talent, in fertile land, in digital creativity, and in entrepreneurial spirit.” 

He added, “What we need is not more aid, but more courage to harness what we already have. This is not just about money—it is about dignity. Generating our own resources means charting our own destiny, setting our own priorities, and building resilience against global shocks.” 

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 disclosed, is undergoing a deliberate and strategic transition in response to Africa’s evolving development priorities. 

Said Prof Murinde, “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 Arteey 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. Arteey.

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. 

The 3-day Summit will feature a series of parallel sessions showcasing new research across AERC’s core thematic areas: macroeconomic policy, trade and regional integration, labour markets and human capital, climate change and resilience, and financial sector development and the digital economy. These sessions will enable researchers to present their work, receive expert critique, and refine policy recommendations that can support decision-makers across the continent.

Established in 1988, AERC remains a premier institution for economic research and training in Africa, dedicated to building local capacity for independent, rigorous inquiry into the policy issues confronting the region. The Summit reflects AERC’s continued mission to support a strong, well-informed economic policy community that can drive sustainable development and influence Africa's role in global economic discourse.