CSEA Research Fellow, Dr. Oluwatosin Edafe and Anthony Okon, Research Associate, attended the Launch of the West African Competitiveness Observatory in Abuja, from May 21 to 22, 2024.

The event organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, Switzerland, and ECOWAS Commission, provided a platform for policymakers to analyse national and regional trade competitiveness.

Through the recently launched online tool, policymakers and businesses in West Africa can track their countries’ trade competitiveness and find new business opportunities in the region. The WACOMP Observatory tool will also facilitate regional collaboration by strengthening regional value chains.

Dr. Oluwatosin Edafe participated in a high-level panel discussion titled "Stronger Together – Competitiveness through Regional Value Chain Integration in West Africa,".

CSEA researchers participated in a comprehensive 3-day in-house training session for focused on "Estimating the Impact of Intervention Policies/Programs Using Non-Experimental or Observational Data."

The training, which was designed to enhance researchers' skills in employing advanced econometric techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of various intervention policies and programs, held from May 14 to May 16, 2024, in Abuja.

The sessions facilitated by CSEA Senior Research Fellow, Professor Emmanuel Nwosu provided a platform for participants to learn instrumental variable estimation, panel data models, and difference-in-difference techniques. The training provides a platform for researchers to update their skills to remain at the forefront of econometric research and policy analysis and to further support ongoing and upcoming research projects at the Centre.

CSEA's Executive Director, Dr Chukwuka Onyekwena, attended the ‘Advancing Data Governance in Africa: Partners' Strategic Workshop in Zanzibar, Tanzania from May 13 to 18, 2024, hosted by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

The meeting brought together stakeholders to spark discussions about the importance of broadening data policy across the continent.

CSEA recently hosted a five-day workshop for stakeholders from the Impact Partner Organization Consortium (IPOC), which includes Genesis Analytics and Mathematica Global. The workshop focused on a research project aimed at understanding and advancing systemic change in Nigeria’s post-basic education. The goal is to facilitate a smooth transition for youth into the labour market, enhancing employment outcomes and creating meaningful work opportunities across Africa.

Dr. Adedeji Adeniran participated in the Southwest Education Summit convened by DAWN Commission, with support from Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), an education-focused programme funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The summit with the theme, “Collaborating for improved learning outcomes,” was held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State, provided a platform for key stakeholders in the education sector to discuss issues and challenges around basic education in the Southwest, and proffer solutions aimed at improving learning in the region.

During his presentation, Dr. Adeniran stated that 47% of children in Southwest Nigeria are not studying at age-appropriate levels. Despite having an important advantage due to the historical free education policy, the region is not impervious to the global learning problem.
The report recommends that appropriate authorities prioritise learning outcomes, reform the teaching profession, and embrace adaptation and iteration as keys to success.