Kilkenomics: African economists highlight key trends and potential of the continent

This year, three economists based across Africa will travel to Ireland to attend Kilkenomics to give a greater understanding of the economic trends and potential of the continent.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also host a panel discussion on Friday 7 November, at 3pm on Africa: Economic Trends and Opportunities.

Panelists include – Dr Eleni Yitbarek (South Africa), Chinwe Egwim (Nigeria) and Dr Dale Mudenda (Zambia) and you can watch the panel discussion in the following livestream.

Dr. Eleni Yitbarek, Senior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria and Junior Fellow at the Pan-African Scientific Research Council, holds a PhD in Development Economics. Originally from Ethiopia, she researches poverty, inequality and social mobility, collaborating with global institutions and publishing in leading development journals.

Executive economist with over 15 years of experience, including three Chief Economist appointments in banking and finance. She advises senior government, multilateral, and private sector stakeholders on macroeconomic, fiscal, and policy strategy. Chinwe was appointed to Nigeria’s Presidential Fiscal Policy and Reform Committee and the Business Day Board of Economists. She was recognised as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader with a record of shaping capital flows, investor relations, and institutional positioning. Chinwe is a strong advocate for gender equity through executive positions in the Association of Professional Women Bankers under the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria. She is a recipient of the Positive Role Model Award - West Africa (Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Awards) and author of two books, including a comic book on inflation for children.

Dale Mudenda is a Lecturer at the University of Zambia. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Cape Town and a MA and BA from the Universities of Malawi and Zambia respectively.