News & Events

The Policy Center for the New South hosted the third edition of the Africa Economic Symposium (AES2025) in Rabat, Morocco, on July 14-15, 2025, under  the theme "Bold Moves amid Global Shifts." The event brought together around 200 participants from 40 countries, sparking vibrant discussion on  Africa's evolving economic landscape. 

Key topics included  Inflation management, currency and fiscal stability, new financing mechanisms such as Central Bank Digital Currencies, and strategies  to deepen economic integration through instruments such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional economic corridors. 

Mma Amara Ekeruche, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), participated as a panelist in a session focused on  the launch of the 2025 Report on the African Economy- "Aligning the Scales of Integration: The Transformative Role of Regional Economic Community." The report builds on previous editions by examining the continent’s economic trends and its interactions with the global economy, focusing on how Africa balances regional dynamics amid global fragmentation while striving for deeper continental integration.

As a co-author of the report, Ekeruche contributes a chapter that examines the evolving economic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa within the broader context of Africa’s regional integration and shifting global dynamics.

The International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) convened  a three-day SOIL VALUES Program Validation Workshop, from June 23 to 25, 2025 at the Exclusive Serene Hotel in Abuja.. The workshop aimed at promoting   sustainable soil management techniques across  the Sahel region, provided an important forum for reviewing  preliminary findings and charting a course for future implementation.

CSEA's team, led by Dr. Oluwatosin Edafe (Research Fellow), along with researchers, Clinton Essang and Adejo Moses, played a critical role by providing technical guidance and facilitating engagement. Dr. Edafe commenced the workshop with a comprehensive presentation outlining the methodology and scope of the baseline study, laying the groundwork for stakeholder interaction. Clinton Essang guided participants through the study's analytical framework and key indicators, while Adejo Moses presented  preliminary data that deepened knowledge and sparked critical conversation. The team also moderated breakout sessions on vital themes including soil health, agroecology, gender dynamics, and policy issues. These sessions enabled the co-creation of practical, actionable proposals for program advancement.

CSEA's  leadership and facilitation  were instrumental  in fostering productive multi-stakeholder interaction. The team ensured that feedback from a varied range of participants was properly recorded in order to improve the final baseline report. Their contributions boosted the SOIL VALUES Program's legitimacy and inclusivity, confirming its goal of providing evidence-based, context-sensitive solutions for sustainable land use and agricultural resilience across the Sahel.

On June 25, 2025, the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) hosted Prof. Belinda Archibong, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), for a thought-provoking paper presentation titled "Firm Culture: How Social Norms Affect Gender Bias in Hiring in Online Labour Markets." The event was held at the CSEA Conference Hall in Abuja.

Prof. Archibong’s presentation examined the complex dynamics  of gender inequality in hiring, using empirical data from online labour markets. Her research revealed that co-ethnic female applicants were 15% less likely to be hired than their male counterparts, revealing a concerning shift of gender and ethnic bias. Despite advancements in  digital hiring platforms, the findings underscore  how deeply established patriarchal standards continue to impact hiring decisions, particularly in leadership and executive positions where women are disproportionately under-represented.

Participants at the seminar  made valuable contributions to the session, focusing on the robustness of the data and the methodological approach employed in the study. A vibrant Q&A session followed, prompting insightful discussions on the  broader implications for labour market reforms and gender justice in Africa.

Prof. Archibong's presentation challenged preconceptions about the neutrality of digital hiring spaces while simultaneously emphasising the critical need for more inclusive hiring practices. The discussion served as a powerful reminder that technology alone cannot eliminate social bias; rather, active governmental action and cultural change are required.

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) participated in the 9th Edition of the Global OTT Conference, held from 17–18 June 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event was hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), in collaboration with On Think Tanks (OTT) and the New South Institute (NSI), under the theme “Think Tanks and Impact.”

The two-day conference brought together  over 160 participants, including think tank leaders, researchers, funders, and policy professionals from across the globe.  Dr. Chukwuka Onyekwena, Executive Director at CSEA, represented the Centre and contributed to dynamic  conversations around strengthening the role of  think tanks in an increasingly complex policy landscape. The conference featured bold conversations, practical workshops, and regional meetups designed to  foster collaboration and amplify the voice of think tanks in Africa and across the Global South.

CSEA’s participation reflects its strong  commitment to promoting evidence-based solutions. The conference highlighted a key takeaway: impactful policy work depends  on collective action, regional leadership, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge for the public good.

Dr. Adedeji Adeniran (Director of Research), Dr. Oluwatosin Deborah Edafe (Research Fellow), and Agbaje Jude (Finance Officer) from the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, CSEA attended the Function-Oriented Impact Partner Organisation (IPO) onboarding workshop hosted by the Mastercard Foundation Office in Nairobi, Kenya from June 10-11, 2025.

The two-day session was designed  to provide IPO and consortium teams with a comprehensive understanding  of the Foundation's mission, impact strategy, operational workflows, and collaborative frameworks. Sessions covered a range of critical topics including safeguarding, financial reporting, impact measurement, and gender mainstreaming, providing a  strong foundation for accountability, learning, and inclusion.

The sessions paved the way for cohesive, high-impact relationships by encouraging common clarity and alignment among partner organisations. CSEA's participation highlights  its commitment to driving evidence-based solutions in partnership with like-minded organisations and creating real, long-term change throughout the continent.