(NAIROBI) – South Sudan is preparing to join the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) by the end of August 2025, following high level discussions between the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) and AERC officials in Nairobi. The move is expected to strengthen South Sudan’s economic research capabilities and support evidence based policymaking through regional academic and institutional networks.
The announcement follows a recent visit by the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Hon. Dr Addis Ababa Othow, and his delegation to Kenya, where they met with the Executive Director of AERC, Professor Victor Murinde. The two sides agreed on future collaboration in capacity building, training, and economic research.
According to Prof. Murinde, South Sudanese economists will benefit from targeted training in macroeconomic modelling, research, and forecasting. He further noted that the consortium will provide support for doctoral studies and staff engagement in the AERC PhD Twinning Programme, which links local researchers with international academic networks.
“Bank of South Sudan’s economists will receive training in macroeconomic modelling, research, and forecasting,” said Prof. Murinde. He confirmed that financial and technical assistance will be extended to help build institutional capacity within BoSS.
Dr Othow welcomed the development, citing the Bank’s current reform process and the need to enhance its research capabilities in areas such as currency management.
“This partnership will allow us to draw from extensive scientific research and peer networks to improve our economic decision-making,” he said.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently being finalised to formalise the partnership. The MoU outlines cooperation in policy research, graduate level academic training, and the strengthening of evidence-based policymaking. It is expected to be signed in Juba before the end of August 2025.
Founded in 1988, AERC is one of Africa’s leading research networks in economic development, operating in collaboration with African central banks and finance ministries. It supports regional governments in macroeconomic policy formulation and engagement with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.
South Sudan becomes the newest member of a continental research network that aims to bridge the gap between academic research and policy implementation by joining AERC.
No financial figures have yet been made public regarding South Sudan’s contribution to the consortium.
