The Future of Economic Research in Africa

Young African researchers injected new voices and innovative ideas into the policy conversation at the recent Africa Growth and Opportunity: Research in Action conference in Palermo.

The special session The Future of Economic Research for Policy featured emerging researchers who are shaping the next generation of policy insights in Africa. Their presentations spotlighted data-driven perspectives on critical issues like job creation, energy, agriculture, and macroeconomic reform.

Meet these inspiring young researchers and watch the replay of their presentations:

• [00:00] Saidou Abdoulaye Sy, Postdoctoral Scholar at the Climate Policy Lab at the Fletcher School, Tufts University
• [06:23] Bezawit Bahru, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Hohenheim
• [13:28] Alpha Ly, Asistant Professor at École Nationale De La Statistique Et De L'analyse De L'information (ENSAI) and the Center for Research in Economics and Statistics (CREST)
• [21:10] Mai Mahmoud, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, J-PAL Middle East and North Africa
• [28:45] Michel Armel Ndayikeza, Assistant Professor, University of Burundi 

Fresh voices. Bold ideas. Real impact.

After an engaging panel and presentation, we sat down with these researchers to dive deeper into their ideas and aspirations. In an interview with Lukwesa Burak, International News Anchor - BBC News and MC at AGORA, they shared what drives their work, the challenges they face, and how their research can transform policies to boost growth in Africa.

I'll be happy to be able to discover interventions that make a difference to smallholder farmers, in particular to women, to fuel growth in Africa and beyond.

- Bezawit Bahru, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Hohenheim

Watch the full interviews here: