CSEA Participates in Growth Academy for the Middle East and North Africa

The University of Chicago, in partnership with the World Bank, the Institute for Economic Development, and the Economic Research Forum of Egypt, co-hosted the Growth Academy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), from April 30 to May 2, 2025. The three-day workshop focused on data-driven , practical approaches to enhancing productivity in middle-income countries across the  region.

Dr. Chukwuka Onyekwena, Executive Director at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), joined  the  Academy, alongside policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners from across MENA. The event served as a platform to explore strategies for accelerating economic growth and addressing the challenges of the middle-income trap.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions with global experts and regional policymakers, sharing insights, evidence, and policy solutions tailored to the region’s  development needs. The workshop  concluded with a hands-on session on modeling long-term growth in developing countries, where  participants developed and  simulated country-specific growth scenarios. 

CSEA’s participation highlights its strong focus on evidence-based policymaking and commitment to fostering regional collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable economic development in  Africa and the broader Global South.