The African Economic Research Consortium Summit 2025

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) First Summit officially opened earlier today, Sunday 30th November, 2025 themed; “A Renewed AERC for Africa’s New Development Priorities,” in Kiambu County.

The AERC is a premier capacity-building institution that strengthens economic policy-making in sub-Saharan Africa through research, training and policy outreach.

In a speech read on his behalf by the State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha, The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Hon. FCPA John Mbadi reiterated that the AERC Conference serves as a strategic platform for strengthening Africa’s policy architecture.

CS Mbadi reiterated that the Africa’s new priorities are anchored in five transformative pillars which include: Human Capital as the cornerstone; Climate-Conscious Growth, advancing green, adaptive, and regenerative development; Regional Integration and Trade; Governance and Institutional Strengthening and Innovation and, Digital Transformation.

“This summit, convened by the AERC, reminds us about another very crucial matter; that policy without evidence is perilous,” CS Mbadi stated.

CS Mbadi further emphasized that the role of research and evidence is essential in development planning as well as enhancing the link between academia, data and policymaking.

In addition, the CS urged African governments to align budgets with key priorities, encouraged the private sector to invest for impact, called on civil society to support accountability and shared solutions and emphasized youth and women as leaders in shaping Africa’s future.

During the Summit, PS Makokha on behalf of the Government of Kenya, also launched the AERC Strategic Plan 2025–2035. A blueprint designed to steer the consortium’s work, mission and future.

The 10-year AERC Strategic Plan is a framework that aims to deepen research excellence, build institutional capacity and advance Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

The first-day morning session featured the AERC African Private Sector Platform. The industry leaders explored areas through which private enterprises can drive economic expansion, foster innovation, create jobs and unlock Africa’s full productive potential.

The EARC Summit brings together Africa’s top economists, policymakers, private sector leaders and global research partners in order to reflect on Africa’s evolving development priorities.

Also in attendance are; AERC Board of Directors Chair, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, AERC Executive Director Victor Murinde, Central Bank Governors and Representatives from KIPPRA, among other Senior Dignitaries.