Can local researchers and aid agencies work together to strengthen policy decisions and outcomes? Too often there is a disconnect between the advice of research of scholars on the ground and the international actors and African policymakers themselves, despite their shared goals of positive impacts on social and economic development. Much potential for growth, implementation of innovation, and opportunities for fresh interventions are being missed. So, what are the obstacles preventing these conversations from bearing fruit? Have there been successful areas of collaboration between aid agencies and African academics? How might we foster more success stories?
Under this theme, on October 6, the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative, the Global Development Network, and the African Economic Research Consortium hosted an event in which African researchers and aid agency staff engaged African policymakers in conversations on the present and future of policy in two key areas for the continent—financial inclusion and agriculture—based on available policy knowledge and scientific evidence. The event was part of a USAID-funded program through which GDN and AERC specifically are supporting the emergence of African voices in academic and policy debates on aid to sub-Saharan Africa.
Financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa
Boosting agricultural productivity through innovation in sub-Saharan Africa
Agenda
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October 6
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Opening Remarks
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Oren E. Whyche-Shaw Coordinator for Trade Africa - USAID -
Panel 1: What entry points exist for researchers and international development agencies into domestic policy processes in sub-Saharan Africa?
1:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Moderator
Pierre Jacquet President - Global Development NetworkPanelist
Augustin K. Fosu Professor, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) - University of GhanaSaharah Moon Chapotin Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Food Security - USAIDAbebe Shimeles Manager, Macroeconomic Division - African Development Bank (AfDB) -
Panel 2: Financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa: Is local, national, regional or continental innovation the way forward?
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Panelist
Robin J. Lewis Associate Fellow and Senior Research Associate, Associate Director - Anti-Corruption, Democracy, and Security (ACDS) @Robin_J_LewisJohn Rwangombwa Governor - Central Bank of RwandaPeter Quartey Head, Department of Economics - University of GhanaOren E. Whyche-Shaw Coordinator for Trade Africa - USAID -
Panel 3: Boosting agricultural productivity through innovation: What role for researchers and aid agencies in supporting policy design?
4:30 pm - 5:45 pm
Panelist
Rob Bertram Chief Scientist, Bureau for Food Security - USAIDShenggen Fan Chair Professor - College of Economics and Management, China Agricultural University, Former Director General - International Food Policy Research InstituteJohn W. McArthur Director - Center for Sustainable Development, Senior Fellow - Global Economy and Development @mcarthurJulie Howard Senior Adviser - Global Food Security Project, Center for Strategic & International Studies, Senior adviser to the associate provost and dean for international studies and programs - Michigan State University -
Closing Remarks
5:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Francesco Obino Head of Programs - Global Development Network
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