JARCA 2026
African Day of CERDI Alumni Networks
Central Theme
"What economic development model for African economies in the era of artificial intelligence?"
A pan-African gathering
unprecedented in Africa
The African Day of CERDI Alumni Networks (JARCA) is a pan-African strategic forum on economic policies and structural transformations of African economies. Its first edition will be held in September 2026 in Cotonou, Benin.
Organized by the CERDI Alumni Benin Network in partnership with networks from Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali, JARCA brings together public decision-makers, financial institutions, researchers and private sector actors around African development challenges.
Through high-level thematic panels, JARCA 2026 aims to produce concrete recommendations to guide African economic policies in the AI era.
JARCA 2026 Sessions
Four key sessions to explore African development challenges in the digital and AI era.
Will AI reinvent development in Africa?
High-level opening session bringing together major African and international institutions. Strategic exchanges between experts from FERDI, UEMOA, FAGACE and development institutions on the implications of AI for Africa.
Transformation of African labour markets in the era of artificial intelligence
Analysis of AI impacts on employment in Africa: automation, polarization, required skills, growth sectors. Identification of public policies for an inclusive and job-creating transition.
What role for African financial institutions in financing structural transformation?
Strategic dialogue on the role of financial institutions facing digital transformation challenges: infrastructure, innovative SMEs, guarantee mechanisms, financial inclusion and regional integration.
Digital taxation and mobilisation of fiscal resources in Africa
Exploration of fiscal challenges in the digital economy: adaptation of tax systems, platform taxation, digitalisation of tax administrations, lessons from OECD/GAFAM reforms, levers to strengthen domestic resources.
Preparation Timeline
10 preparation steps, from May to September 2026.
Official launch and formation of the organizing committee
Development and validation of panel terms of reference
Identification and outreach to partners and sponsors
Confirmation of speakers and panelists
Opening of registrations and broad communications
Finalisation of the scientific programme and logistics
Preparation of working documents and materials
Re-launch of registrations and participant confirmation
JARCA 2026 event in Cotonou
Publication of the JARCA 2026 Report and recommendations
Our partners and sponsors
Lead sponsor
African Fund for Guarantee and Economic Cooperation
Institutional partners
Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development
West African Economic and Monetary Union
Economic Commission for Africa (UN)
African Development Bank
West African Development Bank
Central Bank of West African States
French Development Agency
World Bank Group
Co-organizing networks
Join JARCA 2026
Would you like to attend, speak as a panelist, or support JARCA as a sponsor or co-organizer? Contact the CERDI Alumni Benin Network.
Support JARCA 2026
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