The XVIth World Economic
History Congress

With 2010 drawing to a close, it is good to reflect on what was an exciting year for economic history research on the African continent. It was a year of many firsts. Preparations began in earnest for the World Economic History Congress to be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa from 9 to 13 July 2012. The first call for sessions closed during September with a record 114 session proposals received. 59 of these sessions have been accepted and the second call for sessions is now open. Please visit www.wehc2012.org for more information.

The local organising committee also hosted the IEHA Council meeting in November. Grietjie Verhoef, president of the Economic History Society of Southern Africa commented on this event: “The Executive Committee of the International Economic History Association met in Stellenbosch from 22-23 November 2010 to decide on several matters pertaining to the WEHC 2012. I am pleased to say that the EC was satisfied with the progress made by the Local Organising Committee on planning for the WEHC 2012. A full site inspection was conducted and the financial agreement signed. We invite everyone to visit the website of the WEHC 2012 (www.wehc2012.org) to follow the progress towards the first International Economic History Congress in Africa.”

The IEHA executive committee meeting was followed by a very successful ERSA/FRESH meeting in sunny Stellenbosch. More than 30 paper presentations were made on topics within the conference theme ”Lessons from history for development”.

The Economic History Society of Southern Africa also launched its rebranded journal – Economic History of Developing Regions – in 2010. The first issue, published in June 2010, included contributions from Daron Acemoglu, James Robinson and Gareth Austin. The second issue features contributions by Morten Jerven, Jan Luiten van Zanden, James Fenske and Leigh Gardner. Click here to see the cover of the rebranded journal.

The LOC of the World Economic History Congress 2012 wishes you a pleasant festive season and a well-deserved rest.