Call for Papers: African Economic Conference 2024 – Theme: Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty

The African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are pleased to announce the 2024 African Economic Conference (AEC), scheduled to take place in Gaborone, Botswana, from November 23-25, 2024.

Since its inception in 2006, the AEC has been a pivotal platform for fostering research, expert analysis, policy dialogue, and the exchange of knowledge on various issues and challenges confronting Africa.

Theme: Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty

This year’s conference will center around the theme “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty,” focusing on four critical subthemes:

1. Global, Regional, and National Uncertainty Impacts on Africa’s Development Prospects
   • Global, regional, and national uncertainties pose significant risks to trade, investment, and economic growth in Africa. Geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, and shifting alliances add complexity to the continent’s economic environment. Trade restrictions, sanctions, and disruptions in global supply chains heavily impact African economies, particularly those dependent on a narrow range of exports.
   • Fluctuations in global financial markets, influenced by variable interest rates and international relations, contribute to economic instability. African economies, especially those reliant on commodities like oil, minerals, and agricultural products, face vulnerability to price shocks. This volatility can lead to inflation, currency instability, and strained economies, reducing their capacity to finance development initiatives.
   • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges by disrupting global trade and investment flows, diminishing tourism revenues, and straining healthcare systems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to enhance economic resilience and stability.
2. Practical African Strategies to Build Resilience to Emerging Shocks
   • Discussions will explore how African economies can enhance their stability and growth by diversifying beyond limited export commodities. The role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in increasing intra-African trade will be examined for its potential to mitigate global economic turbulence.
   • The development and expansion of social safety nets, governance reforms, and stable macroeconomic environments are vital for long-term resilience. Climate-smart agricultural practices and economic sovereignty through better monetary policies and control over exchange rates will also be key topics. The aim is to foster a comprehensive approach to building resilient African economies.
3. Innovative Development Financing in an Era of Growing Uncertainty
   • Securing development financing amidst high-risk and uncertain environments presents significant challenges. Innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), green bonds, and blended finance instruments, are essential for supporting development. Domestic resource mobilization will be emphasized as a sustainable way to finance development projects through internal revenue sources like taxes and royalties.
   • The role of international financial institutions in providing support and leveraging private sector investments for critical infrastructure projects will be critically assessed. These strategies are crucial for enhancing investment in high-impact sectors and promoting sustainable development.
4. The Role of Technology in Fostering Predictability, Creativity, and Resilience
   • Technology is a driving force for economic development and innovation. Digital tools enhance predictability through better data for decision-making in sectors like agriculture, finance, and entrepreneurship. Mobile banking and fintech innovations improve financial inclusion and economic resilience.
   • Technology also fosters creativity and entrepreneurship, essential for economic diversification and job creation. The emergence of tech hubs across Africa highlights the role of technology in developing a new creative economy. This subtheme will delve into how technology can shape Africa’s economic future by improving outcomes across various sectors.

Submission Guidelines

Interested authors are invited to submit their papers to rba.aec@undp.org by August 15, 2024. Only full papers addressing the conference theme will be considered for presentation. Submissions should be policy- and solution-oriented with a strong empirical foundation.

Important Dates:

• Submission of papers: August 15, 2024
• Notification of acceptance: September 30, 2024
• Last day for registration for presenters: October 20, 2024
• Conference dates: November 23-25, 2024

Format Guidelines:

• Manuscripts should be submitted in both PDF and Word formats with 1.5 line spacing, and should not exceed 40 pages including references, figures, and tables.
• Use 12-point Times New Roman or a similar font, with 1.5-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a title page with each author’s name, affiliation, and contact information.
• Provide an abstract of no more than 100 words.

All submissions will undergo a blind peer-review process conducted by the co-organizing institutions. Only original, high-quality work will be accepted. A distinguished panel will evaluate the papers presented and award a prize to the best paper by a young researcher, announced during the closing ceremony.

Sponsorship: Authors may indicate if they require support to cover expenses related to travel, accommodation, and daily subsistence. Sponsorship is primarily available for presenters and young researchers from Africa, with support limited to one author per accepted paper.

For more details and updates, please refer to the Concept Note.