ODI Global - CGF - AERC Conference 2025
Global finance amid geopolitical fragmentation:
implications for emerging markets and developing economies
Venue: ODI Global, 4 Millbank, London and Online via Zoom
Organisers: ODI Global, SOAS Centre for Global Finance (CGF) and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
Description
The global economic and financial landscape is experiencing a fundamental realignment. Decades of deepening integration are giving way to geoeconomic fragmentation, driven by protectionist policies such as tariffs, export controls and sanctions. This "unbundling" of the global economy, marked by trends like re-shoring and friend-shoring, is reshaping international trade and investment.
While much of the recent public debate has focused on trade friction – from the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to new tariffs – a less-discussed but equally significant shift is underway in the global financial system. Specifically, the long-standing system for global finance has been put to the test by recent shifts away from concessional funding and the increasing challenges faced by developing economies in accessing global capital markets. If these trends continue, rising geoeconomic and financial disintegration will profoundly change the path of economic development for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
This conference, hosted by ODI Global and co-organised with the SOAS Centre for Global Finance (CGF) and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), provides a crucial platform for cutting-edge research and in-depth discussion on these financial transformations. This event aims to generate research-backed insights to support policymakers in EMDEs as they navigate this landscape of uncertainty and explore new avenues for sustainable growth and development.
Key questions and topics
This conference will offer a deep dive into the real-world implications of these financial shifts for EMDEs. We will tackle critical questions and topics, including:
Shifting capital flows: How are geopolitical factors redirecting foreign direct investment (FDI) and other capital flows? What are the long-term consequences for development strategies reliant on FDI?
The role of regional capital markets: As global financial systems re-align, what is the importance of developing regional capital markets and regional finance initiatives? What are the constraints and opportunities for developing regional capital markets in a amid shifting global dynamics? How can initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) be leveraged to strengthen regional financial cooperation and integration?
Mobilising private finance for development: How are shifts in concessional funding and evolving capital flow risks affecting EMDEs’ access to finance? What innovative financing mechanisms – such as blended finance and public-private partnerships – are emerging to close development finance gaps? Which policies and frameworks can best mobilise private investment toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to maximise development impact and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth?
The role of policy in a fragmented world: How can EMDEs navigate these geopolitical shifts and mitigate potential risks? What are the shifting roles of development finance institutions, international business and capital markets. How can EMDEs take advantage of these changes?
Important information:
Please note that this is a two-day hybrid conference running from 6 November 2025 (12:00) - 7 November 2025 (15:00). The conference is free to attend and will be held at ODI Global and livestreamed via Zoom.
The full programme, including details of our distinguished keynote and panellists, and the official registration link, will be announced soon.
In the meantime, for any enquiries, please contact Angela Kolongo (ODI Global) at a.kolongo@odi.org or Meng Xie (SOAS Centre for Global Finance) at xm1@soas.ac.uk