Workshop Information
The Finance & Entrepreneurship Theme of the Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL) programme, in partnership with the J-PAL Finance sector and J-PAL Africa, invites submissions for a workshop on AI, Finance, and Entrepreneurship to be held in person on June 16-18 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Applications are now CLOSED, the deadline was Sunday February 2, 2025.
This workshop brings together early-career researchers from around the world to examine the role of AI, fintech, high-growth entrepreneurship, and venture capital for private-sector development in Africa and other low-income contexts. The focus is on understanding specific applications and emerging trends, such as among many others: AI tools for alternative credit scoring; digital payments to expand financial access for underserved populations; accounting platforms designed to help SMEs manage working capital and scale; how AI is being used by investors and startups in data-scarce environments; the role of climate-risk prediction models and weather-indexed insurance to support agri-entrepreneurs; the role of AI in improving fraud detection in digital payment systems and reducing transaction costs for small merchants; balancing innovation with fairness in AI regulation. In addition to research sessions, a significant component of the workshop will be discussions with startups, financial institutions, and policymakers. A strong emphasis will be made on establishing collaborations between researchers and large fintech platforms and financial institutions.
The goal of this workshop is to encourage new research on these topics in Africa by providing early career scholars with an opportunity to learn about the institutional features of that ecosystem up close. The event also aims at fostering collaborations between young scholars from Africa and from other countries.
Funding opportunities
Participants are encouraged to work together to develop research designs and will have the opportunity to receive feedback from the group. Project proposals on the topics of the workshop will receive special consideration in an upcoming call for exploratory and major research grants by the PEDL Theme on Finance & Entrepreneurship.
The workshop will provide lodging in Nairobi and will reimburse a share of the cost of flights to Kenya, if necessary.
The workshop will fully cover the transportation expenses for scholars based in Africa (within CEPR's expense guidelines).
Requirements
Must commit to arriving before 12pm on Monday June 16 and staying through the afternoon session on Wednesday June 18.
PhD in Economics or Finance (or related fields, e.g., Business and Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, ...).
Must have interest in conducting research related to high-growth entrepreneurship and finance in Africa.
Application Instructions
The deadline for submissions is Sunday February 2, 2025 at 12PM EST / 5PM GMT / 8PM EAT.
Click here for the application link.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Emily Breza and Emanuele Colonnelli
