YSI workshop @ the 58th Annual Meetings of the Canadian Economics Association

The Young Scholars Initiative Africa Working Group, in association with the Progressive Economics Forum (PEF) of the Canadian Economics Association (CEA), invites young scholars, advanced Ph.D. students and early career researchers to submit abstracts for panel sessions to be held at the 58th Annual Meetings of the CEA at the Department of Economics at Toronto Metropolitan University from May 30 to June 1, 2024.

The workshop aims to bring together young scholars in North America whose work engages in critical thematic issues broadly relating to African Political Economy. The workshop consists of two panels under the following themes: Commodities Booms & African Development and The Persistence Debate in African Political Economy.

Commodities Booms & African Development
In the context of the 2020s commodity boom, we want to think critically about what developmental lessons can be drawn from the past commodities booms, including the 2000s boom and its attendant narrative of ‘Africa Rising.’ Do commodities booms simply weaken economic complexity and enhance structures of dependency, or can they strengthen developmental states? If so, how?

The Persistence Debate in African Political Economy
In recent years, economic history and political economy in Africa have focused on the question of persistence, asking: do historical structures affect current economic outcomes and possibilities across Africa? If they do, how? If they don’t, why not?

We are calling for abstracts (200–500 words) to be submitted by March 20. In both panels, successful applicants will be invited to present their ideas and research (from emergent to polished). Following the panelists’ approximately 10-minute presentations, both senior scholars and younger scholars at the PEF will participate in discussions and offer feedback. The panels will take place on May 31 and June 01. Panelists will also be invited to participate in a working group / dinner meeting.

Keynote Speaker: TBA

Abstracts should be submitted via the application form no later than March 26, 2024. Please include your name, affiliation, and contact details. Applicants can apply for travel stipends and lodging.