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The 4th International Biennial Macroeconomics Symposium (IBMS26)

Theme:

Climate change, sustainable growth and macroeconomic dynamics in Africa

Venue: Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch Hotel

Date: 22-23 September 2026

Call for Abstracts

About

The Macroeconomics Research Unit (MRU) in the School of Commerce, University of KwaZulu-Natal is calling for the submission of abstracts for presentation at the 4th International Biennial Macroeconomics Symposium (IBMS26) scheduled to take place from 22 to 23 September 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch Hotel in the scenic coastal city of Durban.

Call for abstracts

The frequency and severity of climate-related disasters have significantly increased and are expected to continue growing. This has sparked considerable interest in assessing the economic costs of these disasters and climate change risks. It is widely recognized that mitigation and adaptation measures are essential and must be implemented promptly. Kumar and Maiti (2024) highlighted that delaying these actions would exacerbate irreversible environmental damage and economic instability. The European Central Bank (ECB) and other policymakers are increasingly troubled that, while these measures effectively reduce CO2 emissions, they may exert inflationary and recessionary pressures on the economy. Conversely, some experts argue that these strategies are disinflationary and could benefit the economy. From a fiscal perspective, the impact of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies may vary. For instance, according to the double-dividend theory, carbon taxes may invigorate the economy. It is suggested that these taxes can enable reductions in other taxes, such as capital and income taxes, thereby boosting economic activity. Furthermore, these taxes can be utilized to reduce government debt burdens and, in turn, alleviate concerns about fiscal sustainability while automatically promoting investment and economic growth.

Developing countries, particularly those in Africa, face greater exposure to climate change risks due to geographic factors and varying levels of development, which hinder their mitigation and adaptation capabilities (Kumar and Maiti, 2024). Despite their constrained abilities in these areas, these nations cannot afford to postpone necessary actions. Delaying such measures may lead to costs that are difficult to manage given their limited fiscal resources. These issues warrant an innate understanding of the multifaceted challenges, confronting developing countries in dealing with climate change and associated risks. Against this background, we invite theoretical and empirical papers and abstracts OR abstracts exploring, but not limited to, the following themes:

  • The macroeconomic consequences of climate change
  • The welfare effects of climate change
  • The macroeconomic impact of Green fiscal reforms
  • Monetary policy consequences of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies
  • The role of monetary-fiscal policy coordination in fighting climate change
  • Optimal mix of green fiscal policy reforms. It is a mix of what? green fiscal policy reforms and
  • Climate change, climate change-related reforms, and productivity.
Side Track:
“Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Inclusive Sustainable Development in Africa”

This side track brings together scholars and practitioners to share contemporary research and debate the future of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive sustainable development in Africa. We invite papers and abstracts to explore a wide range of themes, including entrepreneurial ecosystems, policy frameworks, climate change and green entrepreneurship, technopreneurship, and AI for sustainable development. Click here for side track themes

Submit Abstract

Registration

Please note that your conference registration will only be finalised after your payment of the registration fee is received and verified. The conference registration fee includes the following: registration, conference material, lunch, and gala dinner. There will be no refunds but delegates can send substitutes at no additional cost.

ClassificationEarly Registration FeesLate Registration Fees
Postgraduate StudentsR3 500.00R4 500.00
Local delegatesR5 500.00R6 500.00
International delegatesUS$400.00US$500.00
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Scientific Committee

Symposium

  • Professor Adeleke Omolade (Federal University of Oye Ekiti, Nigeria)
  • Dr Bertha Bangara-Chikadza (University of Malawi)
  • Dr Christian Tipoy (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Professor Devi Tewari (University of Zululand)
  • Professor Elhaj Ezzahid (Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco)
  • Professor Evelyn Derera (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Professor Gabila Nubong (North West University)
  • Professor Harold Ngalawa (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Dr Hopestone Chavula (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Ethiopia)
  • Professor James Attah-Peprah (University of Cape Coast, Ghana)
  • Professor Josue Mbonigaba (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Professor Krzysztof Beck (Lazarski University, Poland)

Side Track

  • Prof Makhosazana Vezi-Magigaba, University of Zululand, South Africa.
  • Prof. Evelyn Tsoka-Chiloane, University of South Africa (UNISA).
  • Prof. Tendai Chimucheka, University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
  • Dr Lindiwe Kunene, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Prof Ayansola Ayandibu, University of Zululand, South Africa.
  • Dr Mapeto Bomani, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana.
  • Dr Elona Ndlovu, Independent Researcher, South Africa.
  • Prof. Ellen Chenesai Rungani, North West University, South Africa.
  • Dr Andrisha Beharry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Dr Enoch Mensah-Williams, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
  • Dr Wimbayi Chasaya, University of Zululand, South Africa.
  • Dr Vangeli Gamede, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Prof Olabanji Oni, University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
  • Dr Siphenathi Fihla, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa.
  • Prof. Richardson Shambare, University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
  • Dr Zamanguni Kubheka, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Prof Norman Chiliya, University of Venda, South Africa
  • Prof Olawale Fatoki, University of Limpopo, South Africa
  • Prof Evelyn Derera, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Sponsors/Exhibitors packages and fees

For more information on sponsorships and exhibition opportunities, please contact members of the Organising Committee or Ms Andiswa Dladla (DladlaA2@ukzn.ac.za).

Organising Committee

Symposium

  • Dr Ntokozo Nzimande (ntokozon@uj.ac.za)
  • Dr Sanele Gumede (Gumedes@ukzn.ac.za)
  • Ms Hazel Langa (Langah@ukzn.ac.za)
  • Prof Evelyn Derera (Dererae@ukzn.ac.za)
  • Dr Christian Tipoy (Tipoy@ukzn.ac.za)
  • Ms Bongeka Myende (Myendeb@ukzn.ac.za)

Side Track

  • Prof. Tendai Chimucheka, University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
  • Dr Mapeto Bomani, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana.
  • Dr Elona Ndlovu, Independent Researcher, South Africa.
  • Prof. Evelyn Derera, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Prof. Harold Ngalawa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.