In 2024, the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), collaborated with On Think Tanks on the State of the Sector 2024 Report, which offers an in-depth analysis of the global think tank landscape. Drawing from the perspectives of nearly 300 organizations across 95 countries, the report provides valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping think tanks worldwide.

The report examines five key dimensions influencing the sector:  i) The diverse think tank landscape across regions ; ii) Varied political contexts influencing operations ; iii) Major divides in funding models  iv) Research priorities focused on policy and governance  and v) Emerging challenges in capacity, tech adoption, and AI .

CSEA contributed to this year’s report, offering regional insights that add depth to the global analysis.  

Explore the full report: http://onthinktanks.org/SOS2024

On November 12-13, 2024, the Development Research Projects Centre (dRPC), in collaboration with the Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), hosted two significant events in Abuja. These events focused on the findings and discussions around "Poverty Dynamics and Social Protection Amidst Complex Crises in Nigeria," an initiative that explores the complexities of poverty in Nigeria amidst crises such as conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and the COVID-19 pandemic

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.