Prof Evans Osabuohien, the Chair of DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC), had the honour of participating in the MIASA Policy Conference on the 21st and 22nd of November 2023. The conference was hosted by the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA). It brought together the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and other researchers.
The conference, which focused on the theme “Accelerating Africa’s economic transformation towards shared prosperity and sustainability”, served as a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas among researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders in the field. Prof Evans Osabuohien actively contributed to the discourse on Infrastructure and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Africa, pivotal components for the continent’s economic expansion. Discussions explored the latest policy-relevant research findings, offering valuable insights into Africa’s economic development, current patterns, and future trajectories.
A highlight of the conference was Prof Evans’s reconnection with members of the DIaDeRC team and the ASMN members, including Dr. Romanus Osabohien (attending from Malaysia), Dr. Ngwengeh Brendaline Beloke (from Cameroon), and Dr. Marvelous Ngundu (from South Africa), Dr. Adebisi Oluwaremilekun, and Dr. Abdu Musa. Engaging with these brilliant minds not only enriched his experience but also fostered insightful discussions and a meaningful exchange of perspectives. Furthermore, the physical meeting with researchers from the African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN), anchored by DIaDeRC, provided a platform for connection, idea sharing, and a deeper understanding of collective research and grant writing endeavours.
Interestingly, many conference participants expressed interest in joining the ASMN after learning about the impactful experiences of its members, showcasing the network’s reputation for fostering a supportive research environment.
Fortunately, there’s a special chance to join the valuable activities at DIaDeRC. On February 15 – 16, 2024, DIaDeRC will host a workshop about “Grant Writing, Winning, and Building a Rewardable Scholarly Career.” Many scholars from different African schools asked for this, and it’s a big collaboration with Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, where the event happens. Get all the details here: http://bit.ly/DIaDeRC-TASUED.
Like MIASA’s role as a collaborative hub, DIaDeRC stands as an emerging Research Centre, facilitating exchange, networking, and collaboration among leading researchers from Africa and scholars worldwide. The commitment to fostering connections is evident through initiatives like the DIaDeRC-TASUED workshop mentioned above. For a comprehensive understanding of DIaDeRC’s work, interested individuals are encouraged to explore the organization’s website at www.diaderc.org.
Together, through initiatives and collaborative opportunities, DIaDeRC, under the leadership of Prof Evans Osabuohien, aims to be at the forefront of advancing impactful research and creating meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
The insights gained at the MIASA Policy Conference highlight the ongoing commitment to excellence and collaboration within the DIaDeRC community.
