Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA) 5 September 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that the Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA) Festival is officially back!

The REFA Festival is hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), in collaboration with: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Africa, Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA) – Wits, DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID), UJ, School of Economics, UJ, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS), AIDC, IFAA, IDEAs, and the University of Johannesburg.

After a pause in 2024, the 7th annual REFA Festival returns on Friday, 5 September 2025, and for the first time, it will be held at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Kingsway campus.

The REFA Festival is a space for students, activists and the public to engage with academics and policy-makers on the real issues confronting the economy, the economics discipline, and society. It is designed to be accessible to people from all levels and academic backgrounds. This is not just a conference — it is a Festival.
A vibrant, inclusive space where students, activists, academics, and policy-makers come together to critically and creatively rethink the economy and the discipline of economics.
The 2025 theme places a special focus on gender and feminist approaches to understanding and transforming the economy, economic policy, and how economics is taught and learned.

Please note: This is an in-person event in Johannesburg
Save the Date:5 September 2025
Location: University of Johannesburg – Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Book your free ticket here: https://lnkd.in/djfGYDn8

This year’s Festival will feature:

🎨 Art exhibitions
🎭 Performances
🎬 Film screenings
🗣️ Interactive displays and open dialogues

September 5, 2025

Disclaimer: The University of Johannesburg encourages academic debate and discussion that are conducted in a manner that upholds respectful interaction, safety of all involved, and freedom of association as enshrined in the law, the Constitution, and within the boundaries of the University policies. The views expressed during events are expressed in a personal capacity and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Johannesburg.