African policymakers, development institutions, and leading economists have officially launched the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network) to strengthen evidence-based policymaking across the continent.
The initiative was unveiled at the conclusion of the three-day 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC) in the Ivorian capital.
Hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the conference brought together over 4,000 physical and virtual participants under the theme, “Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Agency and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World.”
A Collaborative Brain Trust
Rather than creating a rigid new bureaucracy, the ACE-Network will operate as an informal, collaborative platform.
It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy, providing an engine room to help African nations navigate interconnected crises like trade fragmentation, climate shocks, and mounting debt pressures.
The network’s membership will consist of top-tier economic minds, including:
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Chief economic advisers to African presidents and prime ministers
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Chief economists from regional development finance institutions
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Central bank deputy governors responsible for economic policy
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Heads of leading think tanks and deans of economics faculties
Speaking on behalf of the AfDB Group, Senior Vice-President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade described the network as a landmark achievement. She challenged members to translate their research into practical actions that “really move the needle for the men and women of this beautiful continent.”
Scaling Up Knowledge Sovereignty
A central priority for the network is boosting Africa’s “knowledge sovereignty.” AfDB Chief Economist and Vice-President, Prof. Kevin Urama, argued that Africa has only a narrow window to influence reforms to the global financial architecture.
He urged governments to invest heavily in “soft infrastructure”, such as research, data systems, and knowledge institutions to complement physical investments in transport and energy.
Echoing this sentiment, UNDP Chief Economist Dr. Raymond Gilpin described the network as a “unified powerhouse of African intellectuals” capable of driving the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and converting Africa’s demographic growth into long-term prosperity.
The network will meet annually alongside the AEC, complemented by quarterly virtual sessions and rapid-response meetings during sudden global economic shocks.
Courtesy: APO
