Regional and diaspora hubs
AHEN's network is anchored by eight regional hubs — a mix of African continental hubs and diaspora nodes — each hosting local research seminars, reading groups, mentorship cohorts, and policy engagement activities. Three hubs are operational in the founding phase; the full eight-hub network is activated in Phase II (Years 4–5).
Annual AHEN conference
AHEN's flagship annual event: a hybrid conference bringing together heterodox economists, researchers, students, policymakers, and civil society from across Africa and the diaspora. The conference is AHEN's most visible public institution-building activity.
Format
Hybrid (in-person + live-streamed). Rotating host city across African regions.
Scale
120–150 participants in the founding phase; 250–300 at full scale. AHEN funds travel for 50 scholars (founding phase) and 150 (full scale).
Programme
Keynotes, paper sessions, policy dialogues, mentorship gatherings, and a public lecture open to the wider public.
Mentorship programme
AHEN's structured mentorship programme pairs senior heterodox economists (from the steering committee, advisory board, and wider AHEN network) with early-career and postgraduate researchers. Pairings are maintained for one academic year, with structured check-ins and a small research development fund for each pair.
Who can apply
Any researcher within five years of PhD completion or any postgraduate student enrolled at an African university. Diaspora applicants welcome.
What we offer
Matched senior mentor with complementary research interests · Regular structured meetings · Access to AHEN research community · Small development fund
Digital community
AHEN's digital collaboration platform connects members across hubs, supports the mentorship programme, hosts the AHEN OER library, and provides discussion forums organised by research stream and region. Free for all registered members.