Opportunities for PhD Students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs)

The African Review of Economics and Finance (AREF) invites PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to apply for a unique opportunity to participate in the AREF 2025 Conference. This prestigious event brings together stakeholders committed to Africa’s accelerated development, including researchers, practitioners, public and private sector leaders, civil society actors, and students.

Exclusive Opportunity for PhD Students and ECRs Selected PhD students and ECRs with accepted papers will gain free access to the AREF 2025 Conference and a dedicated pre-conference Workshop and Training Track facilitated by AREF Consult. This hands-on programme is designed to empower emerging scholars by guiding them through the full research lifecycle—from conceptualisation and methodology to policy influence and article publication. Participants will benefit from:

• Tailored Mentoring: Receive personalised guidance from experienced researchers and industry experts.
• Real-World Insights: Learn practical strategies for translating research into impactful policy and high-quality publications.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with a diverse community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to Africa’s development.
• Skill Development: Enhance expertise in research design, data analysis, academic writing, and policy engagement.

Due to limited spaces, only applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit accepted papers will be selected to attend the conference and workshop.

Benefits for Selected Participants

• Registration and Meals: Free for selected PhD students and ECRs.
• Accommodation and Transport: Self-funded (participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements).

Eligibility Criteria

• PhD Students: Must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a recognised institution. Evidence of enrolment (e.g., student ID, official letter from institution, or supervisor confirmation) is required.
• Early Career Researchers: Defined as researchers within five years of completing their PhD or equivalent qualification (confirmation of degree award required).
• Paper Submission: Applicants must submit a 300-word abstract for a research paper for presentation at the conference.
• Commitment to Africa’s Development: Applicants should demonstrate a clear alignment with the conference’s mission to advance Africa’s accelerated development through research and policy impact.

Application Process

1. Submit an Abstract and Expression of Interest:

• Prepare a 300-word abstract summarising your research paper, including its objectives, methodology, findings (or expected findings), and relevance to the conference themes.
• Include a brief expression of interest (300–400 words) explaining your motivation for attending the conference and workshop, and how this opportunity will advance your research and career goals.
• Submit both via the conference portal at www.african-review.com by 30 September 2025.

2. Provide Evidence of Enrolment (PhD Students):

• Upload a scanned copy of your student ID, an official letter from your institution, or a confirmation letter or email from your supervisor verifying your current enrolment.

3. Await Notification:

• Successful applicants will be notified by 10 October 2025.

4. Complete Registration:

• Accepted participants must confirm their attendance by completing registration by 15 October 2025.

Why Participate?

The AREF 2025 Conference offers PhD students and ECRs a transformative platform to elevate their research, connect with global and African scholars, and contribute to shaping the continent’s future. The dedicated Workshop and Training Track is a rare opportunity to gain practical skills and mentorship, ensuring your work achieves academic excellence and real-world impact.

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission & Expression of Interest Deadline: 30 September 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 10 October 2025
• Full Registration Deadline: 15 October 2025

Contact Information

For inquiries, please visit www.african-review.com or contact the conference secretariat.

Conference Leadership

Conference Chair: Prof. Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede, University of Ghana and University of the Witwatersrand

Co-Chairs:

• Dr. Godfred, University of Ghana
• Dr. Emmanuel Joel Aikens Abakah, University of Ghana
• Prof. Jones Odei-Mensah, University of the Witwatersrand
• Prof. Ismail Fasanya, University of the Witwatersrand

Join us at AREF 2025 to advance your research, amplify your impact, and contribute to Africa's sustainable development. We look forward to your application!

Submit your application today at https://joucon.com/portal

A.K Fosu Prize For Best Paper:
The A.K. Fosu prize will be awarded to recognise high-quality research presented at the annual AREF conference. This highly competitive award will be presented to the author(s) of the paper judged by the editors of AREF to be the best presented at the conference. The A.K Fosu prize was initiated by organisers of the AREF conference to honour the contributions of the great economist and academic leader, Professor Extraordinary Augustin Kwasi Fosu (https://isser.ug.edu.gh/people/prof-augustin-k-fosu).

Eligibility:

• The award is open to young and early career researchers whose single authored paper meets the high standards of publication in the African Review of Economics and Finance. Interested delegates need to apply specifically and indicate whether they want their paper(s) to be considered for the award. The paper must be strictly single authored.
• Papers will be subjected to the usual African Review of Economics and Finance peer review process.
• Papers deemed publishable by the panel of reviewers will be long-listed for the A.K. Fosu Prize Committee.
• The award winner is selected by a vote of all the editors based on the review reports and a further assessment by the editors.
• The award will be presented at the Conference.

Benefits: Recipients are given a $250 honorarium, an award certificate, and the opportunity to develop the paper further for publication in one of the conference journals, plus a three-month mentorship and coaching opportunity with the Nile Valley Multiversity.

To be considered for the Award, check the box of the A.K. Fosu prize or submit your paper directly to Dr. Emmanuel Joel Aikins ABAKAH, email: ejaabakah@ug.edu.gh or ejabakah@gmail.com; Dr. Godfred Amewu, gamewu@ug.edu.gh or fredamewu@yahoo.com; Prof. Jones Odei-Mensah, jones.odei-mensah@wits.ac.za; Prof Ismail Fasanya, Ismail.fasanya@wits.ac.za.

Submission Guidelines

- Abstracts (300 words) should be submitted by July 30, 2025

-Full papers by September 15, 2025

Create an account via: Create Account

Login and register via: login and apply

**#AREF2025 #AfricasRenaissance #IndigenousTech #ModernSolutions**

For inquiries, contact: Emmanuel Joel Aikens Abakah ejaabakah@ug.edu.gh Godfred Amewu, gamewu@ug.edu.gh and Imhotep Alagidede, ipalagidede@ug.edu.gh and Imhotep.alagidede@wits.ac.za

Join us in shaping Africa's renaissance through indigenous wisdom and modern innovation!

Explore Ghana Beyond the Conference Room

Unforgettable Side Attractions at AREF 2025

While the 2025 African Review of Economics and Finance Conference promises engaging dialogue and groundbreaking research, your experience in Ghana wouldn't be complete without immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of our history, innovation, and natural beauty.

Here's what awaits you beyond the sessions:

• Christiansborg Castle, Osu - Experience the Return through the Gate of No Return. Step into the halls of Ghana's storied past with a guided tour of Christiansborg Castle, once the seat of colonial power and post-independence governance.
  

  Located on the coast of Osu, this landmark is not just a monument—it's a journey through centuries of resilience, leadership, and transformation.

  Walk Through the Pages of Ghanaian History and...

  • • Explore the iconic castle once occupied by colonial governors and Ghana's first post-independence president.
  • • Discover the hidden dungeons, preserved chambers, and stunning views of the Atlantic coast.
  • • Learn the story of Ghana's political evolution in a setting that bridges past and present.

  Location: Osu, Accra

  Duration: Half-Day Tour

  Ideal for: History buffs, culture lovers, and first-time visitors

• Akosombo Dam & Volta Lake - Where Power Meets Peace Venture into the serene Eastern Region to witness the awe-inspiring Akosombo Dam, a marvel of African engineering that powers much of the nation.
  

  Overlooking the majestic Volta Lake, this trip offers breathtaking views, a chance to reflect, and a deeper appreciation for the intersection of infrastructure and development. Akosombo stands for Power, Peace, and Panoramas. Visit this world class infrastructure and:

  • • Witness the engineering feat that powers much of West Africa—Ghana's celebrated Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam.
  • • Cruise or relax by the tranquil shores of Volta Lake, the world's largest man-made lake by surface area.
  • • Experience how infrastructure can transform economies—and inspire awe.

  Location: Akosombo, Eastern Region

  Duration: Full-Day Trip

  Includes: Scenic drive, guided dam tour, lakeside lunch stop

• Cocoa Processing Company - From Bean to Bar, Ghana's Chocolate Story Get a taste of Ghana's economic backbone with an exclusive tour of the Cocoa Processing Company.
  • • Step inside the heart of Ghana's cocoa industry and see how the nation's prized beans are processed.
  • • Learn about sustainable sourcing, value addition, and the global journey of Ghanaian chocolate.
  • • Sample select products and witness industry innovation firsthand.

  Location: Tema Industrial Zone

  Duration: Half-Day Tour

  Includes: Factory tour, tasting session, gift shop access.

These excursions are more than sightseeing—they are curated experiences designed to deepen your connection to the African story of progress, innovation, and heritage.
Pack your curiosity. Let Ghana inspire you.