The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative have launched a call for papers for their joint research conference taking place on 1 February 2027.
The fourth annual event will focus on accelerating business growth for women entrepreneurs across developing economies. Hosted at the EBRD Headquarters in London, the conference brings together a broad coalition of international partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank Group, World Bank Group, American University, Imperial College London and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab.
Organisers are inviting full-paper submissions that examine small- and medium-sized enterprises led by women, as well as high-potential start-ups and micro-enterprises. Researchers using sex-disaggregated data in their studies are particularly encouraged to apply.
Beyond academic presentations, the gathering serves as a forum for academics, private sector leaders and policymakers. Dedicated policy sessions will focus on converting recent empirical findings into practical project design and strategic implementation across developing markets.
Seema Jayachandran, Kenneth J. Boudreaux ’65 Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker.
Attendance is free for interested members of the public upon registration. Organisers confirm that public registration links will be released in winter 2026, while academic paper submissions can be completed online via the event portal. Enquiries regarding the programme are being handled via brockm@ebrd.com.
