Conference Sub-Themes

This sub-theme investigates how corporate financial strategies can be aligned with the imperatives of sustainable development. It covers capital structure decisions, dividend policy, working capital management, mergers and acquisitions, and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into corporate finance. Contributions are encouraged on how firms — particularly in African and other emerging economies — manage financial resilience while pursuing long-term value creation for stakeholders and society.

This sub-theme examines the relationship between sound corporate governance structures, transparent financial reporting, and the ability of organisations to withstand economic shocks and disruptions. It invites papers on board composition, audit quality, earnings management, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption, and disclosure practices. Contributions are also welcome on how governance failures contribute to organisational fragility, and how reformed governance mechanisms can enhance long-term institutional resilience and stakeholder trust.

This sub-theme explores the growing application of data science, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence tools in transforming financial decision-making and organisational performance. It invites contributions on machine learning in credit risk assessment, AI-driven fraud detection, predictive analytics in investment, and the use of big data in regulatory compliance and strategic planning. Papers may also address the ethical dimensions of AI deployment in finance and the readiness of institutions in developing economies to harness these technologies.

This sub-theme focuses on the dynamics of financial market volatility and its implications for investment decision-making in an era of global economic uncertainty. It invites contributions on asset pricing, portfolio management, behavioural finance, and the response of capital markets to geopolitical shocks, commodity price fluctuations, and macroeconomic instability. Special interest is placed on strategies that enhance investor resilience and market stability across both developed and developing economies.

This sub-theme addresses the critical role of regulatory frameworks in maintaining the integrity, stability, and accountability of financial systems. It invites scholarly inquiry into prudential regulation, compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), consumer protection, and the governance of financial institutions. Papers may also explore regulatory challenges posed by cross-border financial flows, shadow banking, and the rise of digital assets, with a focus on strengthening institutional accountability in the face of evolving global risks.

This sub-theme explores the principles and practice of Islamic finance as a framework for equitable economic participation and social welfare, particularly in Muslim-majority and emerging economies. It invites scholarly contributions on Sukuk markets, Zakat and Waqf as tools for poverty alleviation, microfinance under Shariah principles, and the role of Islamic financial institutions in promoting financial inclusion. Papers may also examine regulatory frameworks for Islamic finance and its potential to complement conventional financial systems in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This sub-theme explores the intersection of monetary policy frameworks and long-term sustainable development. It examines how central banks navigate the competing demands of inflation control, exchange rate stability, financial inclusion, and growth promotion under conditions of global uncertainty. Contributions are welcome on interest rate transmission mechanisms, unconventional monetary tools, currency crises, and the role of monetary authorities in fostering resilient and inclusive economies.

This sub-theme addresses the role of pension systems, risk management frameworks, and insurance mechanisms in providing financial security and supporting long-term economic stability. It welcomes contributions on pension fund governance, actuarial risk assessment, life and non-life insurance market development, and the challenges facing retirement savings systems under demographic pressure and economic volatility. Special attention is given to the Nigerian pension reform experience, the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), and the deepening of insurance penetration in African markets as pillars of individual and systemic financial resilience.

This sub-theme interrogates the management of public resources, fiscal policy design, and their consequences for economic development and citizen welfare. It covers topics including government budget management, debt sustainability, tax policy reform, intergovernmental fiscal relations, and public expenditure efficiency. With particular relevance to Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, the sub-theme welcomes contributions on how fiscal discipline — or the lack thereof — shapes developmental outcomes, and how governments can build fiscal resilience in the face of commodity dependence and external shocks.

This sub-theme examines the role of entrepreneurship and marketing innovation in driving sustainable economic development. It explores how businesses adopt responsible practices, social enterprise models, and creative market strategies to generate economic value while addressing social and environmental challenges. Papers are welcomed on green entrepreneurship, circular economy models, SME sustainability strategies, and the impact of innovation-driven business practices on inclusive growth in Nigeria and across emerging economies.