# African Economic Research Consortium

> nonprofit organization in Nairobi, Kenya

**Wikidata**: [Q30267817](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30267817)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/african-economic-research-consortium

## Summary
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is a nonprofit research institute based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 1988 to advance economic research and policy analysis across Africa. It operates as a dedicated research organization, distinct from universities or think tanks, focusing exclusively on generating knowledge to address economic challenges in the region.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1988 in Nairobi, Kenya
- Classified as a nonprofit organization and research institute
- Headquarters located at coordinates -1.289562, 36.807289
- Operates under multiple global identifiers:
  - ISNI: 0000000404181654
  - ROR ID: 05fxg9b69
  - GRID ID: grid.474983.5
  - VIAF ID: 144361809
  - Ringgold ID: 125726
- Official website: [http://aercafrica.org/](http://aercafrica.org/)
- Recognized in library systems with:
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n91047776
  - German National Library GND ID: 4017909-6 (via related research institute classification)
  - National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007599409905171
- Affiliated with Yale LUX ID: group/d13394bf-a83c-4397-a9a8-8444e1ab01b3
- Listed in the UIA Open Yearbook with ID: 1100015930

## FAQs

### **What type of organization is AERC?**
AERC is a nonprofit research institute, meaning its primary function is conducting systematic economic research rather than teaching or commercial activities. Unlike universities, it does not grant degrees, and unlike think tanks, it focuses on broad economic inquiry rather than policy advocacy alone.

### **Where is AERC located?**
AERC is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, at the geographic coordinates -1.289562 latitude and 36.807289 longitude. It operates as a standalone entity within the city, distinct from academic or government institutions.

### **How is AERC identified in global knowledge systems?**
AERC holds multiple international identifiers, including an ISNI (0000000404181654), ROR ID (05fxg9b69), and GRID ID (grid.474983.5), which ensure its recognition in research databases, library catalogs, and academic networks worldwide.

### **What distinguishes AERC from other economic research organizations?**
Unlike scientific societies (which are membership-based) or think tanks (which prioritize policy influence), AERC functions as an operational research institute dedicated solely to producing economic knowledge through structured investigation.

### **When was AERC established?**
AERC was founded in 1988, making it a long-standing institution in African economic research with over three decades of contributions to the field.

## Why It Matters
AERC plays a critical role in shaping economic policy and development strategies across Africa by providing rigorous, data-driven research. As a dedicated research institute, it fills a unique niche—unlike universities burdened by teaching obligations or think tanks constrained by policy agendas, AERC can pursue long-term, high-impact economic studies without distraction. Its work directly informs governments, financial institutions, and international organizations, helping to address challenges like poverty, trade imbalances, and fiscal sustainability. In a continent where economic stability is closely tied to social progress, AERC’s research provides the evidence-based foundation needed for sustainable growth and informed decision-making.

## Notable For
- Being one of Africa’s foremost independent economic research institutions
- Operating as a standalone nonprofit research institute since 1988
- Holding multiple global identifiers (ISNI, ROR, GRID) that facilitate international collaboration and data sharing
- Maintaining a permanent presence in Nairobi, Kenya, as a hub for African economic scholarship
- Distinguishing itself from think tanks and academic institutions by focusing exclusively on research
- Contributing to economic policy discussions through non-partisan, evidence-based analysis

## Body

### **History and Establishment**
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) was established in 1988 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic research. From its inception, it was designed to function as a pure research institute, avoiding the dual teaching-research mandate of universities or the advocacy-driven approach of think tanks. Its founding reflected a need for an African-led institution capable of producing high-quality economic analysis to inform policy and development strategies.

### **Organizational Classification**
AERC is formally classified as both a **nonprofit organization** and a **research institute**, a distinction that places it alongside entities like the Brookings Institution or the Max Planck Society in terms of organizational structure. Unlike scientific societies (e.g., the American Economic Association), which are membership-based, AERC is an operational entity conducting hands-on research. It is also distinct from **think tanks**, which typically focus on policy recommendations, whereas AERC’s scope encompasses fundamental economic inquiry across theoretical and applied domains.

### **Geographic and Institutional Presence**
AERC is headquartered in **Nairobi, Kenya**, at the coordinates **-1.289562, 36.807289**. Its location in Nairobi—a major economic and diplomatic hub in East Africa—positions it strategically to engage with regional governments, financial institutions, and international partners. The institute operates independently, though it collaborates with universities, multilateral organizations, and other research bodies.

### **Global Identifiers and Recognition**
AERC is recognized across multiple international knowledge systems, ensuring its visibility and credibility in academic and policy circles:
- **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier):** 0000000404181654
- **ROR ID (Research Organization Registry):** 05fxg9b69
- **GRID ID (Global Research Identifier Database):** grid.474983.5
- **VIAF ID (Virtual International Authority File):** 144361809
- **Ringgold ID:** 125726
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n91047776
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007599409905171
- **Yale LUX ID:** group/d13394bf-a83c-4397-a9a8-8444e1ab01b3
- **UIA Open Yearbook ID:** 1100015930

These identifiers facilitate cross-referencing in research databases, library catalogs, and institutional directories, enabling seamless collaboration with global partners.

### **Digital Presence and Accessibility**
AERC’s official website, [http://aercafrica.org/](http://aercafrica.org/), serves as the primary platform for disseminating its research outputs, policy briefs, and institutional updates. The site is maintained in English, reflecting its role as a resource for both African and international audiences.

### **Research Focus and Methodology**
As a research institute, AERC’s work spans macroeconomic policy, trade, fiscal management, and development economics. Its methodology emphasizes empirical rigor, often involving:
- **Data collection and analysis** from African economies
- **Policy simulations** to assess the impact of economic reforms
- **Capacity-building programs** to strengthen local research expertise
- **Collaborative networks** with African universities and global institutions

Unlike think tanks, which may prioritize short-term policy influence, AERC’s structure allows for long-term research projects that address foundational economic questions.

### **Institutional Relationships**
While AERC operates independently, its research often intersects with the work of:
- **Multilateral organizations** (e.g., World Bank, IMF)
- **African governments and central banks**
- **Academic institutions** (through joint research and training programs)
- **Other research institutes** (via data-sharing and collaborative studies)

Its nonprofit status ensures that its findings remain accessible and unbiased, avoiding conflicts of interest that might arise in corporate or politically affiliated research.

### **Impact on African Economic Policy**
AERC’s research has directly influenced economic policymaking in Africa by:
- Providing **evidence-based recommendations** on fiscal policy, monetary systems, and trade agreements
- **Training economists** through its network of researchers and fellows
- **Publishing widely cited reports** used by governments and international agencies
- **Hosting conferences and workshops** to disseminate findings and foster debate

By maintaining a focus on African-specific economic challenges, AERC helps bridge the gap between global economic theories and local realities.

### **Comparison with Similar Entities**
| **Entity Type**       | **AERC**                          | **Universities**               | **Think Tanks**               | **Scientific Societies**      |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| **Primary Function**  | Research-only                     | Teaching + research            | Policy-focused research       | Membership + knowledge sharing|
| **Degree Granting**   | No                                | Yes                            | No                             | No                            |
| **Scope**             | Broad economic inquiry            | Discipline-specific            | Policy-specific                | Field-specific networking    |
| **Funding Model**     | Nonprofit grants/donations        | Tuition + research grants      | Mixed (public/private)        | Membership dues              |

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
2. [Source](https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@integration/documents/genericdocument/wcms_079493.pdf)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File