Grieve Chelwa, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, has been appointed to the jury of the Africa NextGen Economist Prize. Launched by The Africa Report and Jeune Afrique in partnership with the African Development Bank, the prize aims to identify and support Africa’s most promising young economists, encouraging research that offers practical solutions to the continent’s pressing economic challenges.
The initiative seeks to highlight innovative work deeply rooted in African realities, fostering policy-oriented research and inspiring a new generation of economic thinkers. The inaugural prize will be awarded at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali in May 2026. The winner will receive a €10,000 grant, online training through the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi), and interviews in both Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report.
Chelwa, recently named one of “10 African Scholars to Watch in 2025” by The Africa Report, brings extensive expertise to the panel. He also serves on the Papal Commission on the Debt and Development Crisis in the Global South, convened by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. His appointment reflects his standing as a leading thinker on African development and political economy.
“Supporting the next generation of African economists is crucial for building solutions that are tailored to the continent’s unique challenges,” Professor Chelwa said. “I am honored to join this distinguished jury and help recognize innovative research that can shape policy and sustainable development across Africa.”
Chelwa joins a panel of esteemed jurors including Anthony Simpasa (Director of Macroeconomics at the African Development Bank), Vera Songwe (former Under Secretary General of the United Nations), Daouda Sembene (former Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund), Mahmoud Mohieldin (Egypt’s former Minister of Investment), and Karim El Aynaoui (Executive Vice President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University), underscoring the prize’s commitment to excellence and impact in African economic research.
For the full story on the prize and its objectives, read The Africa Report: The Africa Report launches ‘NextGen’ prize to find Africa’s leading young economists.
Grieve Chelwa, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, has been appointed to the jury of the Africa NextGen Economist Prize. Launched by The Africa Report and Jeune Afrique in partnership with the African Development Bank, the prize aims to identify and support Africa’s most promising young economists, encouraging research that offers practical solutions to the continent’s pressing economic challenges.
Grieve Chelwa, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, has been appointed to the jury of the Africa NextGen Economist Prize. Launched by The Africa Report and Jeune Afrique in partnership with the African Development Bank, the prize aims to identify and support Africa’s most promising young economists, encouraging research that offers practical solutions to the continent’s pressing economic challenges.
The initiative seeks to highlight innovative work deeply rooted in African realities, fostering policy-oriented research and inspiring a new generation of economic thinkers. The inaugural prize will be awarded at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali in May 2026. The winner will receive a €10,000 grant, online training through the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi), and interviews in both Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report.
Chelwa, recently named one of “10 African Scholars to Watch in 2025” by The Africa Report, brings extensive expertise to the panel. He also serves on the Papal Commission on the Debt and Development Crisis in the Global South, convened by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. His appointment reflects his standing as a leading thinker on African development and political economy.
“Supporting the next generation of African economists is crucial for building solutions that are tailored to the continent’s unique challenges,” Professor Chelwa said. “I am honored to join this distinguished jury and help recognize innovative research that can shape policy and sustainable development across Africa.”
Chelwa joins a panel of esteemed jurors including Anthony Simpasa (Director of Macroeconomics at the African Development Bank), Vera Songwe (former Under Secretary General of the United Nations), Daouda Sembene (former Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund), Mahmoud Mohieldin (Egypt’s former Minister of Investment), and Karim El Aynaoui (Executive Vice President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University), underscoring the prize’s commitment to excellence and impact in African economic research.
For the full story on the prize and its objectives, read The Africa Report: The Africa Report launches ‘NextGen’ prize to find Africa’s leading young economists.
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