The Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA) Festival

This year’s Festival places a strong focus on gender and feminist economics, in response to the evolving economic and political landscape across South Africa and the globe.

 

The annual Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA) Festival is back!

After a pause in 2024, we are pleased to announce that the REFA Festival returns. Now in its seventh edition.

The REFA Festival is a space for students, activists and the public to engage with academics and policy-makers on the real issues confronting the economy, the economics discipline, and society. It is designed to be accessible to people from all levels and academic backgrounds. This is not just a conference — it is a Festival. We explore ideas through art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, interactive displays, and stalls where organisations engage directly with participants. This year's Festival will feature a wide range of topics, with a special focus on gender and feminist approaches to understanding and transforming the economy, economic policy, and economics teaching and learning.

Date: 5 September 2025 
Time: 07:45 -17:00
Venue: University of Johannesburg's Auckland Park Kingsway campus.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
South Africa Office

34 Bompas Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg

+27 11 341 0270
+27 11 341 0271
Info.sa(at)fes.de

Team & Contact

Lindiwe Mabuza Space