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A new horizon opens for the continent: The Network of Young Economists for Macroeconomic Modelling Excellence operational under the aegis of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

3 December, 2021

Addis Ababa, 3 December 2021 (ECA) - This Tuesday, December 7, 2021, will see the launch of the ECA Young Economists Network (ECA-YEN). This is an initiative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa that sees the light of day. The network aims to create a critical mass of skilled young modelers who will contribute to the structural transformation and socio-economic development of the continent by providing data, reflections and strategic forecasts for decision-making better documented and therefore more efficient.

The macroeconomic stability of the countries of the continent is one of the many challenges facing most African economies. This stability is more important given that multiple factors have challenged the global economy over the past three years, confirming the need for human resources able for anticipating threats, exploiting opportunities, and providing support. subject more suited for reflection and programming for States and regional integration organizations. This need was felt even more during the Covid19 pandemic, and it is based on that, that the ECA has decided to facilitate the creation of this network with a view to integrating young students from universities and research centers. to the question of planning and economic foresight in Africa.

This Tuesday, December 7 will see the crowning of this reflection with the effective launch of the ECA young economist network. It is a continental organization, which to date brings together 725 young students who have completed at least two years of study in a graduate economics program or have received a Masters or PhD degree in economics. From 27 countries and 68 universities and research centers on the continent.

“The ECA Network of Young Economists (CEA-RJE) will provide peer learning and research platform to empower and engage a new generation of skilled young macroeconomic modelers to champion macroeconomic modelling excellence on the continent and help countries achieve the goals of the 2030 and 2063 Agenda more efficiently” explains a note from the ECA.

This launch will take place in the form of a high-level webinar and will see the presence of eminent personalities from the continent including Ms. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of ECA, H.E.M. Ibrahim Mayaki Executive Director of AUDA - NEPAD, H.E.M. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as Ms. Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane, Director of the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP). This webinar will engage more than 700 experts and researchers.

This event will mark the launch of the African Macroeconomic Modeling Day.

For Ms. Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane, the Director of the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning, , “this network must be a pride and an opportunity for the whole continent because of its importance no longer needs to be demonstrated within. The importance that decision-makers and practitioners will accord the outcomes of this network will determine the stability of the economies for which they are in charge ".

 

For all information, please contact:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org