About the 2025 MEFMI Executive Fora Events
- Introduction
This note provides a synopsis of the 2025 MEFMI Executive Fora events. The major objectives of the Executive Fora are to create awareness amongst the Ministries of Finance and Planning and central banks at the highest levels on the challenges being faced by the region, share experiences on how best the region can create sustainable strategies that will promote economic growth through the employment of best practice; and provide networking opportunities for these officials.
These Fora have proven to be an indispensable avenue for the exchange of views on institutional strengthening and policy formulation among high-level policymakers. Through the Fora, key topics such as fiscal, monetary, and financial sector policies are explored, with a focus on their implications for regional economic development. The events also provide a platform for private sector engagement, where executives from various industries can discuss the real-world impacts of these policies on businesses and communities.
The recommendations emerging from these forums have significantly influenced the development of policies that not only drive economic growth but also contribute to reducing poverty levels across the MEFMI region.
- The Events
MEFMI organizes three major Fora events annually for high-level policymakers across its member countries. These events include the Combined Forum, Governors Forum, and Deputy Governors / Deputy Principal Secretaries Forum. The central theme for the 2025 Fora will be Artificial Intelligence.
- Deputy Governors and Deputy Principal / Permanent Secretaries Forum
Overview: This Forum has been held annually since 2017, and it takes place in May each year, with financial support from Crown Agents Investment Management. It is attended by Deputy Governors from central banks and Deputy Principal/Permanent Secretaries from Ministries of Finance, Economic Development, and Planning in the MEFMI region.
Audience: Approximately 30 officials attend the event.
2025 Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
- Time: 09:00 to 13:00 CAT (Virtual Event)
- Subtheme: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Macroeconomic and Financial Management”
- Focus: The forum will serve as a key platform for Deputy Governors and Deputy Principal Secretaries to engage in high-level discussions, share insights, and collaborate on the adoption of AI technologies in macroeconomic and financial management.
- Governors Forum
Overview: The Governors Forum is traditionally held between July and August each year and is attended by the 15 central bank Governors from the MEFMI region.
2025 Event Details:
- Date: 27 August 2025
- Time: 09:00 to 13:00 CAT (Virtual Event)
- Subtheme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Financial Stability”
- Focus: This year’s event will focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to enhance financial stability in the region. The forum will explore AI-driven solutions for improving regulatory oversight, financial systems monitoring, and overall economic resilience in the context of an increasingly digital financial environment.
- Combined Forum
Overview: The Combined Forum is a unique high-level event designed for Ministers of Finance and Planning, Permanent/Principal Secretaries, and Central Bank Governors from the 15 MEFMI countries. Held annually since MEFMI’s inception in 1994, this event stands out as one of the most significant gatherings for senior policymakers in the region.
Event Timing: The Combined Forum is held alongside the World Bank / IMF Annual Meetings every year, typically in October, and is financially supported by private sector partners.
2025 Event Details:
- Date: 13 October 2025
- Audience: An average of 100 governors and ministers, and top officials from central banks and ministries, across the region participate.
- Subtheme: “Macroeconomic Management in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges”
- Focus: The forum will delve into the opportunities and challenges presented by the AI era for macroeconomic management. Discussions will center on how AI can assist in improving policy decisions related to fiscal management, monetary policy, and the financial sector, and how policymakers can harness this technology to drive economic growth and stability in the region.