NESA Launches ECONNEXT Lagos 2026: a Hub for Africa’s Future Economists

On 5 November 2026, the Nigerian Economics Students’ Association (NESA) and the Lagos State Government unveiled the inaugural ECONNEXT Lagos conference, a three‑day event designed to connect economics students across Africa with industry leaders, policymakers and potential employers. The launch, held at the newly refurbished Eko Convention Centre, highlighted the pressing need to translate academic knowledge into real‑world impact as Africa’s economies accelerate post‑pandemic growth.

Why ECONNEXT Lagos matters for African economics students

The transition from lecture halls to boardrooms has long been a challenge for economics undergraduates. While curricula teach theory, many students graduate without a clear sense of the skills that drive hiring decisions in finance, consulting, public policy and the burgeoning tech‑driven sectors. ECONNEXT Lagos directly addresses this gap by offering a curated programme that blends keynote insights, hands‑on workshops, and targeted networking sessions.

According to NESA President Chukwudi Okafor, the conference’s core mission is “to empower the next generation of African economists to become change‑makers in their respective economies.” By bringing together representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the African Development Bank, leading fintech firms and multinational consultancies, the event promises to demystify the pathways from campus to career.

Conference agenda: From macro‑policy to data analytics

The five‑day agenda (5‑9 November) is structured around three pillars: knowledge, skill‑building and networking. Day one kicks off with a plenary on “Africa’s Post‑COVID Economic Outlook,” featuring a panel of senior economists from the World Bank, the African Union and the Nigerian Ministry of Finance. The discussion explores growth projections, inflation dynamics and the role of digital transformation in reshaping trade.

Subsequent days dive into practical competencies. Workshops on econometric modelling using R and Python, data visualisation with Tableau, and policy brief writing are led by faculty from the University of Lagos, the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Town. A dedicated fintech track showcases blockchain‑based payment systems, digital lending platforms and the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in Nigeria and Kenya.

One of the most anticipated sessions is the “Career Sprint” on 8 November, where recruiters from PwC, McKinsey, Standard Bank and local start‑ups conduct rapid‑fire interviews and CV clinics. Participants receive real‑time feedback, learn how to articulate their research experience, and gain insight into the soft skills—communication, teamwork and adaptability—that employers value.

Regional representation and cross‑border collaboration

ECONNEXT Lagos is not a purely Nigerian affair. Delegates from Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco and a dozen other African nations have confirmed attendance, reflecting the continent’s growing appetite for collaborative economic education. NESA’s partnership with the Economic Society of Ghana and the South African Economic Association ensures that the conference agenda incorporates diverse regional perspectives.

In addition to formal sessions, the conference hosts a “Pan‑African Roundtable” where student representatives discuss common challenges such as limited internship opportunities, funding for research projects and the need for more inclusive curricula that address informal sector dynamics. The roundtable aims to produce a joint declaration urging universities and ministries to harmonise economics programmes and expand experiential learning.

Opportunities beyond the conference floor

Beyond the scheduled talks, ECONNEXT Lagos offers a digital hub that will remain active throughout 2027. The hub includes a repository of recorded sessions, downloadable case studies and a mentorship matching platform that pairs students with senior economists and industry experts. NESA has also secured sponsorships from local banks and tech firms to fund a series of micro‑grants for student‑led research projects tackling issues like agricultural value chains, renewable energy financing and urban housing affordability.

For participants, the conference is a springboard to internships and graduate programmes. Several firms have pledged to consider conference attendees first for their 2027 recruitment cycles. Moreover, the event’s visibility on social media—especially on Twitter/X and LinkedIn—provides a showcase for students to highlight their involvement and build a professional brand.

What attendees can expect: A day‑by‑day snapshot

Day 1 – Macro Outlook: Keynote speeches, panel debates, and a networking cocktail.

Day 2 – Data & Analytics: Hands‑on workshops on statistical software, data storytelling and policy simulation games.

Day 3 – Fintech & Innovation: Demo sessions from Nigerian fintech start‑ups, discussions on CBDCs, and a hackathon for student teams.

Day 4 – Public Policy & Development: Sessions on poverty alleviation, climate finance and the role of regional integration bodies.

Day 5 – Career Sprint & Closing: Mock interviews, CV clinics, award ceremony for best research pitch, and a forward‑looking roundtable on the future of economics education in Africa.

How to register and what to bring

Registration opened on 1 November 2026 via the official ECONNEXT portal. Early‑bird tickets, priced at ₦15,000 for students, include access to all sessions, conference materials and a digital badge. Participants are advised to bring a laptop, a copy of their latest research paper or project report, and a professional‑looking outfit for the interview day.

For those unable to travel, a hybrid streaming option is available, ensuring that the knowledge shared reaches students across the continent. The streaming package, priced at ₦5,000, provides live access to keynote speeches and recorded playback of workshops.

Looking ahead: ECONNEXT as a catalyst for long‑term change

While the inaugural edition is a landmark event, NESA envisions ECONNEXT becoming an annual fixture that rotates among major African cities, fostering a continent‑wide network of economics talent. The conference’s success will be measured not only by attendance numbers but by the tangible outcomes—internships secured, research grants awarded and policy briefs adopted by governments.

In a statement released after the launch, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu highlighted the conference’s alignment with the state’s “Youth Economic Empowerment” agenda, noting that “investing in our young economists is investing in Lagos’s future as a global financial hub.”

FAQ

• Who can attend ECONNEXT Lagos 2026? The conference is open to undergraduate and postgraduate economics students from accredited African universities, as well as recent graduates seeking entry‑level roles.
• What is the cost of attendance? Student tickets are ₦15,000 for on‑site participation and ₦5,000 for the hybrid streaming option. Sponsorships and scholarships are available for candidates with demonstrated financial need.
• Will there be certificates? Yes. All participants receive a digital certificate of attendance, and those who complete the skill‑building workshops earn micro‑credentials recognized by partner organisations.

For more details and to register, visit the official NESA announcement page.

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