ECA Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa in collaboration with the African Peace-building Network (APN) of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), will hold a seminar on “Conflict, Peace and Regional Economic Integration in Southern Africa: Bridging the Knowledge Gaps and Addressing the Policy Challenges” from 7-8 October, 2015 in Livingstone, Zambia.

The inaugural seminar aims to promote debate, discussion and policy options on the topical issues of conflict, peace and regional economic integration in Southern Africa in support of the efforts of regional institutions like SADC and COMESA and the member States in the region in ensuring a stable and prosperous Southern Africa. The recent conflicts in Lesotho and Mozambique and the xenophobic attacks in South Africa raise issues of peace, conflict and stability with costs and implications for regional economic integration in Southern Africa.

It is anticipated that the seminar will enhance public knowledge and awareness of the root causes of conflict in Southern Africa, conflict resolution mechanisms and implications for regional integration.

Overall the southern Africa seminar series seeks to expand intellectual interaction and knowledge sharing among Southern Africa’s scholars and policymakers on topical and current socio-economic issues affecting the region.