The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) hosted a two-day training on research and writing for policy, aimed at strengthening the team’s ability to contribute to policy development. The workshop was held on November 11 and 12 and was facilitated by Thelma Obiakor, Senior Research Fellow and doctoral candidate at London School of Economies.

The training covered essential skills in academic writing, econometric modelling, referencing, and data analysis. Participants were engaged in practical activities like creating literature review outlines, peer reviewing drafts, and learning how to write impactful policy briefs and reports.

On 7th November 2024, CSEA hosted the World Bank for the presentation of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU), titled ‘Staying the Course: Progress Amid Pressing Challenges’. The World Bank team was led by Gloria Joseph-Raji, Senior Economist, and economists Priscilla Kandoole and Joseph Ogebe, PhD. The presenters discussed Nigeria’s economic challenges and the positive impacts of recent reforms, emphasising the need for transparency and targeted reforms—particularly for youth and women—to create a more resilient economy. Highlights of the event include robust conversations on addressing the structural challenges in the Nigerian economy through infrastructure reform and microeconomic improvement, improving business environment through effective policies and ensuring sustainable long term solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges. The event concluded with an engaging question and answer session, where participants and presenters explored transformative ideas, ranging from enhancing agriculture to creating more opportunities for youth in the Nigerian workforce.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, CSEA hosted a one-day educational visit for members of the Nigerian Economics Student Association (NESA) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The event was filled with impactful presentations and practical insights from key speakers, offering the students guidance on their academic and professional journeys.

The students also had the privilege of hearing from distinguished alumni and guest speakers, including: H.E. Dr. Elijah ONYEAGBA, former Ambassador to Burundi, Dr. Friday K Ohuche, Senior Policy and Research Consultant at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, and Dr. Godstime Eigbiremolen from the World Bank. 

Each speaker reflected on their own journeys transitioning from economics students to accomplished professionals and provided practical advice on how students can hone their skills and position themselves as experts in the field.

CSEA Research Associate Anthony Okon attended a one-day stakeholder engagement event organized by the African Centre for Tax and Governance (ACTG) in collaboration with the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI) and the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) in Abuja on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The event focused on a property tax project in Ekiti, Kaduna, and Niger states, bringing together stakeholders, including revenue authorities and relevant ministries, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in property taxation in Nigeria.

CSEA’s Director of Research, Dr. Adedeji Adeniran, attended the 2024 Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja, Nigeria on October 22, 2024.

The summit brought together a diverse group of industry experts, policymakers, and public health leaders from government, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

This event served as a platform for participants to discuss the rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries, shaping the health agenda and exploring innovative solutions.

Dr. Adedeji participated as a panelist in a session focused on the critical role of pro-health taxes in financing the prevention and treatment of NCDs.