The University of Nairobi proudly hosted the official opening ceremony of the Annual Conference of the African Finance and Economic Association (AFEA) 2025 on July 16, 2025. This was a prestigious continental gathering of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of finance and economics. The three-day event is being jointly organised by the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Nairobi.

The conference was officially opened by the Principal Secretary for Trade, Ministry of Trade, Investments and Industry, Ms. Regina Ombam, who lauded the University of Nairobi and AFEA for fostering critical discourse around Africa’s economic transformation. In her keynote address, Ms. Ombam emphasized the role of research-based policy in addressing the continent’s persistent developmental challenges.

“This conference provides a vital platform for shaping the future of Africa’s economic resilience and competitiveness through collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector,” said Ms. Ombam.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, was the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Development, Prof. Jackson Maalu, who welcomed delegates from across Africa and the diaspora. Prof. Maalu reaffirmed the University’s commitment to hosting rigorous academic dialogues that contribute to Africa’s growth agenda.

“As the premier institution of higher learning in Kenya, the University of Nairobi continues to stand at the forefront of African scholarship, providing intellectual leadership that informs national and continental development policy,” Prof. Maalu said.

Themed around inclusive finance, sustainable development, and emerging economic dynamics in Africa, the AFEA 2025 conference is expected to feature over 40 research presentations, high-level policy roundtables, and keynote lectures by leading African economists and development experts.

The event has attracted participants from universities, research institutions, central banks and ministries of finance and trade from across Africa, Europe and North America.

Over the next two days, the conference’s agenda includes a second plenary, expert panel discussions, a special session focusing on women’s contribution to research and finance, breakout workshops and an undergraduate economics challenge. All are designed to foster collaborative research, spark innovation and amplify African voices in global development discourse.

The conference will run until Friday, July 18, 2025, and will culminate in a communique outlining key policy recommendations and academic findings aimed at informing economic decision-making on the continent.