Deadline: September 5, 2025
The African Union 7th Congress of African Economists 2025 is officially accepting submissions from economists, researchers, practitioners, and students across Africa and the diaspora. This prestigious event, themed “Investing in Infrastructure for Productive Transformation in Africa”, will take place from 10 to 12 November 2025 in Libreville, Gabon.
Organised biennially by the AU’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), the congress serves as a critical platform to foster evidence-based economic dialogue, shape infrastructure strategies, and accelerate regional integration.
About the 7th Congress of African Economists 2025
The African Union 7th Congress of African Economists 2025 aims to mobilise innovative research and policy insights that can support Africa’s development aspirations. The congress particularly encourages rigorous academic discourse around sustainable infrastructure development and its role in catalysing economic transformation across the continent.
This year’s theme, Investing in Infrastructure for Productive Transformation in Africa, places emphasis on harnessing infrastructure to boost competitiveness, job creation, trade, and regional integration.
✍️ Call for Papers – Now Open!
Researchers, academics, policymakers, economists, and postgraduate students are invited to submit original papers exploring diverse aspects of infrastructure development in Africa. The call is also extended to members of the African diaspora.
✅ Focus Areas:
Your paper should align with one or more of the following sub-themes:
- Infrastructure financing strategies and sustainability
- Regional integration through cross-border infrastructure
- Capacity-building and skills for infrastructure implementation
- Energy and digital infrastructure as enablers of inclusive growth
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and institutional reforms for project execution
Awards and Benefits
Selected submissions will be published in the Proceedings of the Congress, with three outstanding papers receiving special recognition:
- Travel and accommodation funded by the African Union (for one author per team)
- Presentation at the Congress and an award ceremony in December 2025
- Publication in the African Integration and Development Review
This is an exceptional opportunity to amplify your work on a continental stage and contribute to the AU’s policy and programme development.
Submission Guidelines
Deadline: 5 September 2025
All papers should be submitted via email to:
- Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo: OlomoP@africa-union.org
- Cc: Ms. Rumbidzai Manhando: ManhandoR@africa-union.org
Format Requirements:
- Abstract: Maximum 250 words
- Format: MS Word, A4 paper, Times New Roman (12pt), single-spaced, 2.5 cm margins
- Style: Harvard referencing, numbered pages
- Include a cover page with: Title, author(s), affiliation, and country
- All diagrams and tables must be integrated and properly referenced
Why Participate?
Participating in the 7th Congress of African Economists 2025 offers far-reaching exposure, policy impact, and network-building opportunities with AU officials, academia, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. Your contribution could shape the future of Africa’s infrastructure and economic landscape.
🔗 Useful Links
For support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
