UoN hosted African finance and Economic Association (AFEA) 2025 Annual Conference
The University of Nairobi (UoN) proudly hosted the annual conference of the African Finance and Economic Association (AFEA) from July 16th to 18th, 2025, at the University Towers. This prestigious three-day event, organized in collaboration with the Department of Economics and Development Studies, brought together over 80 distinguished participants from academia, policy-making, and industry.
The conference provided a vital platform for thought-provoking discussions centered on Africa's economic future, inclusive growth, and innovative pathways towards sustainable development. The Vice Chancellor Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, represented by DVC Prof. Jackson Maalu, set the tone in his opening speech, emphasizing the critical role of research and academia in shaping Africa's economic destiny. He highlighted that "Africa is poised to have the largest working-age population globally by 2050," underscoring the urgency for the continent to prepare for this demographic shift. Prof. Maalu also commended University of Nairobi for its strides in training economists.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Regina Akoth Ombam, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Trade, addressed the conference, stressing the importance of policy-driven solutions to Africa's economic challenges. She advocated for tackling trade challenges to foster regional integration and expand African markets, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the University's economics students and policymakers in conducting research for information-based, quality policy decisions.
The conference featured insightful presentations from prominent keynote speakers. Prof. Germano Mwabu delivered a compelling address on "Human Capital Development and the Future of Work and Household Wellbeing in Africa". His presentation highlighted both the promising future and persistent challenges in Africa's development, asserting that "With Africa's youthful demographic, investing in education and healthcare reforms is critical to realizing our full human capital potential".
Other notable speakers included Mr. Jared Osoro from the Central Bank, Dr. Eldah N. Onsumu from KIPPRA, and Hon. Rachel Ameso Amollo from the Parliamentary Service Commission. The event also included various breakout sessions covering diverse topics.
The three-day conference concluded with a powerful call to action: to invest in Human Capital Development, expand Research Capacity, and inform policy with data-driven insights. This served as a potent reminder that "the future of Africa will be shaped not by chance but by intentional, inclusive, and research-led action". The University of Nairobi is proud to have facilitated such a crucial dialogue for the continent's progress.
