19th Annual Meeting of the African Economic History Network
The conference is organised by the Economic History Unit at the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with the African Economic History Network, and will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, 23-24 October, 2026
Confirmation of participation
We understand that plans may change; however, we kindly ask that you confirm whether you intend to participate in the conference. This will allow us to ensure that the programme and the sessions reflect actual participation.
You confirm your participation by filling in the form linked below, at the latest by the 15th of May 2026: Confirmation of Participation Form
Programme
The programme will be supplemented with additional information about the two social events as soon as possible.
Keynote speakers
Prof. Mohamed Saleh
Mohamed Saleh is a Professor of Economic History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Professor Saleh's research has been focused on the Economic History of the Middle East and North Africa. He has been interested in two main themes of research. The first theme is the Economic History of Identity, and in particular how fiscal policy impacted the formation of religious groups, their socioeconomic outcomes, and their narratives, via tax-induced conversions. The second theme is Historical Political Economy, and in particular, coercion of labor, forced migration, land inequality, and historical roots of political authoritarianism.
Prof. Jutta Bolt
Jutta Bolt is a professor of global economic history at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands. She is the chair of the executive committee of the board of the African Economic History Network. Her research interest are long-run economic growth and development with a focus on developing regions, to a great extent focusing on African economic history. Current research projects include understanding long-term health inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa, and understanding the historical origins of present-day income inequality in Africa.
Practical information
Find information about the conference venue, transportation, travel & accomodation, the city of Gothenburg and other practical information.
Venue
The conference will take place at Viktoriagatan 13, School of Business, Economics and Law, Gothenburg
Map: Viktoriagatan 13
How to get here
You can get here by car, walking or public transport (Tramstop: Vasa Viktoriagatan). For public transport panning and tickets download the app ’Västtrafik ToGo’
Accomodation - special AEHN rate
Hotel Vasa: The special rate includes a breakfast buffet. See prices below.
• Single room: SEK 1,290 per night
• Twin room: SEK 1,590 per night
Bookings are made by reaching out to them directly and refer to AEHN conference,and cancellations can be made free of charge until 4:00 PM on the day before arrival.
Hotel Flora: offering a 15% discount for stays between October 21 and 25. You just need to use the discount code AEHNC when booking.
Gothia Towers: Offering a 15% discount through a dedicated reservation link.
Use the the promotion code PROAEHNC.
Visit Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a safe city, and walking at night is not a problem. Use common sense, as in every large city, to avoid the occasional pick-pocketing
Follow links below to find information about how to travel to Gothenburg, find accomodation and how to apply for a visa. Please choose sustainable travel options if possible.
What to do in Gothenburg
Welcome to Gothenburg! You'll find world-class art museums, a lively dining scene and exciting craft breweries, and some of Sweden's best shopping. Gothenburg is also a gateway to some of Sweden's most beautiful islands. It's a city, in short, that rewards travelers who stay for an extended visit. (https://www.afar.com/travel-guides/sweden/gothenburg/guide)
Gothenburg’s Official Visitor’s Guide – goteborg.com
Cash and cards
Please note that Sweden is an almost cashless society. Most transactions are carried out using credit or debit cards, and many shops, cafés, and transport services do not accept cash. Participants are therefore advised not to exchange or withdraw large amounts of cash, as it may be difficult to use. Major international cards are widely accepted.
Weather forecast
Organisers and Organising committee
The conference is organised by the Unit for Economic History at the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with the African Economic History Network.
Organising committee
Klas Rönnbäck
Klas Rönnbäck is Professor in Economic History, with a research interest in the history of slavery and colonialism. Prof. Rönnbäck will be the managing editor of Economic History of Developing Regions from January 2026.
Stefania Galli
Stefania Galli is an Assistant Professor in Economic HIstory at Gothenburg University. Her research focuses on the intersection between inequality and institutions, with a focus on colonialism.
Kondwani Happy Ngoma
Kondwani Happy Ngoma is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Center for Statecraft and Strategic Communication (CSSC) at the Stockholm School of Economics, with research interests in business history and the dynamics of risk management in state–business relations in 20th and 21st century Africa.
Bezawit Abebe
Bezawit Abebe is a PhD candidate in the Economic History unit at the University of Gothenburg, with her research centered on Ethiopia’s economic and social history throughout the 20th century.
Giulia Martini
Giulia Martini is a PhD candidate in Economic history at the University of Gothenburg. Her thesis focuses on women’s access to resources in the Gold Coast Colony.