Research Center Concludes International Symposium on Development Efforts in Africa
The Research Center at Islamic University of Minnesota concluded the activities of its International Scientific Symposium titled “Development Efforts and Economic Reforms in Africa Throughout the Ages,” following two days of intensive academic engagement and specialized discussions addressing development and economic transformation across the African continent, with the participation of distinguished academics and researchers.
The symposium was held under the patronage and in the presence of the University’s Vice President, Dr. Omar bin Ahmed Al-Maqrami, and the Deputy Vice President, Dr. Zainab Ali Basyouni. The event commenced with verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by an official opening session emphasizing the vital role of academic research in supporting Africa’s reform and development pathways.
During the opening session, university leaders reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing rigorous scientific research as a cornerstone for supporting Africa’s renaissance. Dr. Zainab Basyouni highlighted the importance of continental integration and coordinated efforts, while Dr. Shaimaa Khattab, Director of the Research and Studies Center, and Dr. Mousa Mohammed Noor Al-Daw, Deputy Director of the Center, underscored the Center’s role in bridging academic thought with developmental realities. The session also included a contribution from the Faculty of Arts on economic reform, as well as a speech by Nigerian student Saeed, who expressed the aspirations of African youth for a more prosperous future for the continent.
On the scientific front, the first day featured academic sessions chaired by Professor Osama Abdel Rahman, Dr. Jehan Al-Taher, and Dr. Seham Abdulbaki. The presented papers addressed regional integration, Nile Basin trade, financial inclusion, monetary and fiscal policies, the historical roots of economic reforms, and governance mechanisms within African institutions. The discussions reflected analytical depth and intellectual diversity in examining developmental challenges and opportunities.
The second day continued with specialized sessions focusing on future scenarios for foreign exchange reserves in African countries, the role of foreign direct investment in driving economic growth, and presentations of leading development experiences, including the Egyptian development model (2014–2025). Additional discussions examined the role of economic media in the era of globalization and its contribution to strengthening Africa’s developmental identity. The sessions were marked by strong academic rigor and effective organization, fostering productive scholarly dialogue and exchange of expertise.
At the conclusion of the symposium, participants formulated a set of strategic recommendations emphasizing the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area through clear timelines and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency. The recommendations also called for the digitization of customs procedures, support for local manufacturing to integrate African economies into unified value chains, the establishment of unified continental databases to promote evidence-based policymaking, and the training of specialized media professionals to reinforce a culture of continental belonging.
The final recommendations stressed that achieving African integration requires moving beyond legal frameworks toward effective implementation, thereby positioning the continent as a cohesive and influential global economic force.
