support to the african economic research consortium (AERC)

• Reference: P-Z1-IAZ-005
• Approval date: 15/12/2008
• Start date: 15/07/2009
• Appraisal Date: 01/10/2008
• Status: On goingOnGo
• Location: NAIROBI
• Implementing Agency: COMMISSION DU BASSIN DU LAC TCHAD

Objectifs  

AERC key objectives are to:

• Enhance the capacity of locally based researchers to conduct policy-relevant economic inquiry;
• Promote the retention of such capacity; and
• Encourage its application in the policy context.

Description

In the two decades since its inception in 1988, AERC has built a solid core of highly credible research that has enhanced the professional stature of the network both locally and internationally focusing on issues critical to African development. During the 2000-2005 period, AERC’s Research Program mentored 719 African researchers from 37 countries and another 200-plus after 2005. The Training Program has produced over 1,700 master’s graduates since its inception and supported nearly 300 Ph.D graduates through thesis research and fellowship awards, spread across 23 African countries. Thirty-four other PhD graduates under the AERC Collaborative PhD Program have since graduated and are now working at universities in Africa and central banks.

Benefices

In light of the above, AERC’s donors have been working towards meeting their financial commitment. For instance, during the current Strategic Plan period 2005-2010, up to 55.98% of donor commitments have been realized. However, it is worth noting that the Consortium still faces a gap of 44.02% in its budgetary resource requirements to which the Bank  can contribute to in order to assist the  AERC meet its objectives and targets.

NGARUKO Floribert - EADI