In May 2026, the IEJ’s Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA) team, in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, convened a two-day workshop focused on developing youth as citizen/activist economists.

The convening brought together members of the REFA student chapters from the University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, Nelson Mandela University, and Rhodes University to prototype a series of fun, interactive workshops that introduce heterodox economic concepts to students without an economics background.

Participants tested game-based activities that are designed for youth activists to run autonomously without a facilitator. The activities covered: an introduction to the economy; institutions of the South African economy; sectors of the South African economy; and the roles of economists and activist-economists. Facilitation emphasised collaboration, co-learning, and flexibility, encouraging participants to shape the learning process actively. Participants gave valuable feedback on the use of video and digital tools to make the content more engaging.

The workshops highlighted the importance of accessible economic education, peer learning, and creative communication in strengthening youth-led economic justice work. Insights from the convening will guide future programme iterations, including expanded resources, continued collaboration with participants, and further regional engagements.