YSI Workshop at the 28th Annual Conference on Global Economic Analysis (GTAP)

On the occasion of the 28th Annual Conference on Global Economic Analysis organized by Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa under the theme “Accelerating Economic Transformation, Resilience, Diversification, and Job Creation,” at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda on June 25-27, 2025, URE Working Group will host a dedicated workshop for young scholars interested in contributing to the dynamic field of urban and regional economics through quantitative analysis. This workshop aims to foster an interactive environment where emerging economists can showcase their research, obtain feedback, and engage with seasoned professionals.

The workshop will provide a platform for young scholars to engage with established economists and experts in the field of economics, focusing on quantitative analysis of urban economic issues in Africa and beyond. This dedicated workshop will be held in conjunction with the conference under the theme “Accelerating Urban Economic Transformation and Resilience through Quantitative Analysis,” and we invite scholars whose paper were accepted and whose research work  focus on the following 7 subthemes:

1. Urban Informality and Economic Resilience
2. Spatial Restructuring and Inequality in Global Value Chains
3. Harnessing Digital Economies for Urban & Regional Resilience
4. Sustainable Urban Development through Green Transitions
5. Peri-Urbanization and Access to Opportunities
6. Local Fiscal Policy in Addressing Urban Inequalities
7. Neoliberal Reforms and the Informal Economy in the Global South

Participants whose research focuses on the following 2025 GTAP conference themes are also invited:

1. Advancements and resilience in value chains and economic development
2. Africa in the global economy
3. Seizing the benefits of the digital economy for growth
4. Tackling the economics of regional integration and cooperation
5. What the green transition means for Africa
6. Filling data gaps – understanding the informal economy
7. Food security and nutrition
8. Fragmentation of global trade
9. Promoting gender in development
10. Reducing poverty and inequality
11. Technology adoption and infrastructure development

The workshop will include a combination of presentations, interactive discussions, and collaborative sessions. Participants will present their research focusing on the conference subthemes above. The workshop will be geared towards graduate students, early-career researchers, and young professionals engaged in Urban and Regional  economics research.