The IMF MENA Annual Research Conference
Global trade and financial systems are being reshaped by tariff shocks, geoeconomic fragmentation, and digitalization and AI. The 2026 IMF MENA Research Conference will examine the main risks and opportunities this evolving global landscape poses for the MENA region and discuss appropriate macro and structural policies to bolster resilience, improve long-term potential, and accelerate convergence with advanced economies. Given their relevance for the region, the conference could discuss prospects for EMEs such as India, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Committees
Organizing committee
Francesco Grigoli
Georgetown University
Kamiar Mohaddes
University of Cambridge
Nisreen Salti
American University of Beirut
Supported by
Frequently Asked Questions
Venue
Conference location
The conference will be held at UM6P Rabat campus, within the Social Sciences, Economics and Humanities Cluster of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. The Cluster is a teaching and research ecosystem that closely brings together three entities:
- Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences (FGSES); offering Bachelor's, Master's, as well as Ph.D. programs.
- The Africa Institute for Research in Economics and Social Sciences (AIRESS): geared towards research.
- The Public Policy School (PPS): offering executive education programs for decision-makers in both public and private sectors.
Each of these entities fulfills its mission, using the knowledge and experience shared among a community of professors, researchers, scholars as well as public decision-makers.
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University – Rabat Campus
Rocade Rabat-Salé,
Rabat 11103
Getting to Rabat
Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA)
The closest airport to the city, located approximately 30 minutes away. Taxis and bus line AE are available outside the arrivals’ terminal, with fares displayed in the airport hall and taxi parking area.
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
The airport is 1.5 hours away from Rabat, it offers direct trains to the city departing every hour. Train tickets can be purchased online via the ONCF website or directly at the station, with a trip cost of 100 MAD.
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)
Located 3 hours from Rabat, the most convenient option is to head to Tangier’s train station and take the high-speed (TGV) train to Rabat.
Airport taxi routes and approximate fares
| Route | Day fare | Night fare |
|---|---|---|
| From Rabat airport to downtown Rabat | 150 MAD | 250 MAD |
| From Casablanca airport to downtown Casablanca | 250 MAD | 300 MAD |
| From Tangier airport to Tangier train station | 120 MAD | 180 MAD |
1€ = 11 MAD
Getting to the campus
First time visiting
To get to the campus from Rabat, you can use:
- Public transportation: Take tramway Line 2 (L2) to its Sale Terminus (7 MAD), then transfer to bus line 201, which stops in front of the campus. The total bus ride (6,5 MAD) takes approximately 25 minutes, Small taxis are also an option, but the meter is unlikely to be used as the campus is outside the city. Be sure to negotiate the fare in advance, with 100 MAD as the maximum.
- On-campus accommodation: If you are staying at our campus hotel, the venue is within walking distance.
Conference days
Downloadables
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming soon !
Deadlines
March 31, 2026
Abstract Submission
April 30, 2026
Notification to Authors
Preference will be given to full draft submissions
Submissions Conditions Subjects / Topics
Interested contributors should submit a full draft or extended abstract in English to [email protected] .
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2026. Please use the contact author’s name as the name of the file (LastName_FirstName, e.g., Smith_John).
Subjects / Topics
- The impact of tariff shocks and trade fragmentation on the MENA region
- Macroeconomic (monetary, fiscal, financial) policy responses to external shocks
- Structural policy responses to geoeconomic fragmentation
- Role of investment in infrastructure to improve connectivity
- Risks and opportunities from Fintech and AI-related changes
- Leveraging digitalization and AI to facilitate trade and financial integration
- Labor market consequences of changing trade patterns and AI
Coming soon !
Coming soon !
Off-campus Stay
Rabat presents a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets. From luxury hotels and riads to cozy bed & breakfasts, you can find an adequate place to stay. Here are few hotel recommendations across different neighborhoods.
| Hassan | Tour Hassan Palace |
| Downtown Rabat | ONOMO Hotel (A shuttle service will be available between Onomo Hotel and the campus every morning and evening during the conference days) |
| Agdal | First Suites Hotel |
On-campus Accommodation
The campus offers a range of accommodation options, including the campus hotel and student residences. Prices vary based on the chosen option. Both are within walking distance of the event venue.
| Residences | Single Room | 180 MAD/Night |
| Studio | 240 MAD/Night | |
| Hotels | Bed Only | 1008 MAD/Night |
| Bed & Breakfast | 1224 MAD/Night | |
| Half Board | 1620 MAD/Night | |
| Full Board | 2016 MAD/Night |
1€ = 11 MAD
- For any questions regarding the conference and program, please contact :
[email protected] - For any questions regarding logistics, please contact:
[email protected]
Coming soon !