Africa Economic Symposium (AES) – 3rd Edition: Bold Moves amid Global Shifts

The Policy Center for the New South will organize the 3^rd edition of the Africa Economic Symposium (AES2025) on July 14^th-15^th, 2025, under the theme “Bold Moves amid Global Shifts”. The Symposium aspires to be a continent-wide annual gathering of prominent economists, policymakers, and academics to bring together global and continental perspectives on macroeconomic management challenges and structural issues that shape the future of Africa's economic development. Building on the success of previous editions (AES2023 and AES2024), which gathered around 200 participants from 40 nationalities, this year’s conference continues to strengthen its position as a key forum for economic dialogue in Africa.

Central to this Symposium is the Annual Economic Report on Africa, the PCNS flagship publication, now in its sixth edition. Authored by 20 distinguished experts, the report provides in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic dynamics across various scales and serves as a key resource shaping discussions during the event. The AES2025 will provide the opportunity to present this year’s edition of the report.

Over the course of a day and a half, the AES 2025 will feature 7 dedicated sessions structured around two thematic tracks. The first track, "Macroeconomic Policy Challenges" will focus on pressing topics such as inflation management, currency stability, and ensuring fiscal sustainability against rising debt levels. The second track "Driving Africa's Economic Transformation: Solutions for Trade, Connectivity, and Finance" will explore strategies for advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), developing economic corridors, leveraging innovative financial mechanisms, including Central Bank Digital Currencies, and mobilizing development finance beyond traditional aid models.

Participants will engage in dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, share, confront and complement views on how Africa could position itself with bold, forward-looking strategies amidst ongoing global shifts.