The 5th edition of the Stanbic Uganda Economic Insights Symposium is scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel. This year’s theme, “Globalization Reshaped—Riding the Waves of Economic Shifts,” will focus on critical global economic trends and their potential implications for the Ugandan economy.
The symposium takes place against a backdrop of heightened concern about protectionist policies, particularly following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. As the world’s largest economy navigates complexities associated with tariffs and trade restrictions, experts caution about the potential future of globalization.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that escalating trade barriers could result in a decline in global economic output by as much as $7.4 trillion, posing significant risks for economies worldwide.
To address these issues, Stanbic has assembled a panel of respected experts. Among them is Goolam Ballim, Head of Economic Research at Standard Bank Group.
Goolam is known for his thorough analysis of macroeconomic and financial market trends, leading a team recognized as the Best Research House across African markets in several Financial Mail Rankings. His expertise will contribute valuable insights into the current economic landscape.
Dr. Adam Mugume, the Director of Research at the Bank of Uganda is also a panellist. An alumnus of Oxford University, Dr. Mugume has over 25 years of experience in economic policy, with numerous publications to his credit.
As the Executive Director of Research, he is integral to shaping Uganda’s monetary policy and economic forecasting.
To further enrich the mix of experts is Dr. Fred Muhumuza, an economic researcher, lecturer, and consultant with two decades of experience.
His background in development policy research informs his advisory work with government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, adding depth to the conversation about economic impacts.
Lastly, Sébastien Walker, the IMF Country Representative for Uganda. Throughout his tenure, Walker has worked across a diverse range of countries, including low-income developing nations, emerging markets, and advanced economies, showcasing his expertise in various economic contexts.
Prior to taking on this role in Uganda, Walker served as a Senior Economist in the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department and previously as an Economist in the African Department. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, where he focused on monetary policy and the planned currency union in the East African Community.
The Stanbic Economic Insights Symposium aims to engage businesses, policymakers, and academics in a constructive dialogue about the challenges and opportunities presented by changes in the global economic environment.
The event on March 11, 2025, at Kampala Serena Hotel will serve as a platform to analyse and discuss the impact of these trends on Uganda’s economy.
