Africa and the Mediterranean region are closely linked through trade, migration, and investment. The Mediterranean serves as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, making it a critical zone for economic cooperation and geopolitical stability. Africa’s rapidly growing population and economies present significant opportunities for trade and investment, particularly for Mediterranean countries like those in Southern Europe and the Middle East. Both regions face pressing challenges related to sustainable development, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Collaborative efforts are essential to achieving the United Nations’ SDGs by 2030. Africa’s vast natural resources, including renewable energy potential, can play a pivotal role in global sustainability efforts, while Mediterranean countries can share expertise and technology to support sustainable development in Africa. The Mediterranean and Africa are among the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, desertification, and sea-level rise threaten agriculture, water security, and livelihoods. Sustainable development strategies are critical to mitigating these impacts, fostering resilience, and ensuring food and energy security. Africa’s youthful and rapidly growing population contrasts with the aging populations in many Mediterranean countries. This demographic dynamic creates opportunities for labor mobility and economic complementarity but also poses challenges related to migration management and integration. Addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of economic opportunities, requires sustainable development initiatives. Africa has immense potential for renewable energy production (solar, wind, and hydropower), which can support both regional development and global energy transitions. Mediterranean countries, particularly in Europe, are investing heavily in green energy and can collaborate with African nations to develop sustainable energy infrastructure. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aim to boost intra-African trade and economic integration, creating opportunities for Mediterranean countries to engage with a unified African market. Collaborative efforts to promote sustainable development can contribute to long-term stability, security and peace in both regions. As global economic power shifts, Africa is emerging as a key player in the global economy. Mediterranean countries, particularly in Europe, are seeking to strengthen ties with Africa to secure strategic partnerships and access to emerging markets as is the case for the Piano Mattei initiative. Africa’s digital transformation and innovation ecosystems are growing rapidly, offering opportunities for collaboration with Mediterranean countries in areas like fintech, agritech, and renewable energy. Technology transfer and capacity-building can accelerate sustainable development and economic growth in both regions. Issues like pandemics, climate change, and economic inequality transcend borders and require regional cooperation. Africa and the Mediterranean are natural partners in addressing these challenges through shared strategies and resources.

In summary, the relevance of this topic lies in the interconnectedness of Africa and the Mediterranean, the shared challenges they face, and the immense potential for collaboration in achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity. Addressing these issues is not only vital for the regions themselves but also for global stability and progress.

The conference aims to provide a forum for development economists on development theory and the many facets of human and economic development in a peaceful, just and climate friendly society. Strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Mediterranean can foster mutual growth and reduce economic disparities.

The conference welcomes both empirical and theoretical contributions on general issues concerning:

• Development of Africa and the Mediterranean
• Economic development and social inclusion
• Migration and labor
• Economic history and development
• Culture, beliefs, and institutions
• Women, discrimination, and gender gaps
• Demography and fertility choices
• Poverty and inequality
• International trade and value chains
• Economics of peace and conflicts
• Ex ante and ex post program and policy evaluation
• Human and territorial resilience
• Transportation and development
• Energy transition and green economy
• Education, human and social capital
• Data and statistical analysis for development
• Geography and spatial allocation of economic activities
• Climate economics: adaptation, mitigation, and climate justice
• Health emergencies and the One-Health Approach: causes and cures.