Who We Are?
EconNect Africa is a student run network committed to the advancement and support of African scholars pursuing doctoral degrees in economics and related fields. Recognizing the acute underrepresentation of African scholars in economics Ph.D. programs across North America—a figure less than 4% out of international degree receivers in the United States as reported by the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) 2021—the association aims to function as an indispensable network for students from the African continent. Our organizational infrastructure aims to fill the void of a support mechanism and intellectual community by creating a supportive network for African Ph.D. students in economics and related fields, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and resource-sharing. We aim to empower young African scholars and amplify their voices, especially on policies related to Africa, by providing them with the necessary tools, networks, and opportunities to excel academically, professionally, and as leaders in their respective fields.
The Rationale
The underrepresentation of African Ph.D students highlights a significant disparity in educational opportunities and access to resources for aspiring African scholars. Central to our organization's focus, those who do make it into these programs often find themselves as the sole representatives from the continent, lacking the support and networks that their peers from other regions possess. This absence of a supportive community can compound the challenges of navigating the academic world and its "hidden curriculum," which can be particularly opaque for those without readily available peer networks or mentors within their institution. EconNect Africa is here to bridge that gap by creating a vibrant community of peers who share the same experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
Objectives
Fostering Collaboration
We strive to foster collaboration among African Ph.D. students in Economics and related fields by creating a vibrant community that encourages knowledge-sharing, idea exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through online seminar series, networking events, and collaborative projects, We aim to facilitate connections and synergies among African scholars across North America.
We aim to organize a yearly symposium where African PhD Job Market Candidates get to present their best work with the attendance of scholars and academics from North America, Africa and elsewhere.
1. We aim to bridge the gap in access to resources and opportunities for African Ph.D. students , attributable to the lack of a peer network within institutions, by providing information, tools, and support related to the ”hidden curriculum” of success in economics Ph.D. programs.
2. We aim to facilitate interaction between students and faculty members and scholars through workshops, webinars, and mentorship opportunities.