3rd biennial “Africa in the Global Economy“ Conference

German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town, the Research Network Sustainable Global Supply Chains, and The World Bank.

Africa’s role in the global economy is being reshaped by regional ambitions and external pressures. While the AfCFTA has generated momentum, intra-African trade remains fragile, exposing gaps in infrastructure and readiness. Meanwhile, external powers continue to influence Africa’s trajectory. The expiry of AGOA preferences and the introduction of reciprocal tariffs under recent U.S. policy have limited trade options and affected industrial production. China’s duty-free access offer and infrastructure investments gain appeal, while the EU conditions preferential access on sustainability and political requirements. These dynamics intersect with intensified global competition for Africa’s critical raw material, raising questions about their potential economic and political impacts.

This conference provides a forum to discuss the implications of Africa’s evolving regional and global economic relationships, with a focus on policy-relevant empirical research.

Topics of interest include international trade, finance, and development, but contributions exploring other areas with clear links to Africa’s regional or global economic integration are also welcome. Early-career researchers and contributors from the Global South are strongly encouraged to submit.

The conference will take place in person, beginning on Wednesday, 2 December in the afternoon and ending in the early afternoon of Friday, 4 December.

Authors should submit extended abstracts (up to 500 words) outlining the contribution to the literature, methodology, and main results. Deadline for abstract submissions has expired April 30, 2026.