Develop sophisticated economic analysis capabilities through this specialized program in Excel-based economic modeling, debt sustainability analysis, and macroeconomic indicator tracking that informs fiscal policy and investment decisions. Participants will master advanced Excel techniques for building complex economic models that simulate policy impacts, forecast economic trends, and analyze debt dynamics under various scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes practical approaches to sourcing and processing macroeconomic data, constructing composite indicators, and visualizing economic relationships through dynamic charts and dashboards. Through case studies focusing on African economies and global economic interdependencies, attendees will learn to apply economic theory to practical analysis challenges, from sovereign debt assessment to inflation forecasting and trade balance analysis. This program prepares economic analysts to deliver actionable insights through sophisticated yet accessible Excel-based analytical tools.
Objectives
- Design comprehensive economic models simulating policy impacts, economic growth scenarios, and external shock responses
- Conduct debt sustainability analyses assessing sovereign, corporate, or household debt levels under different economic conditions
- Develop macroeconomic indicator dashboards tracking key economic variables and early warning indicators
- Implement time series analysis techniques including decomposition, smoothing, and forecasting of economic variables
- Create input-output models and economic impact assessments evaluating sectoral interdependencies and multiplier effects
- Apply econometric techniques within Excel including regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and model validation
- Develop fiscal space analyses evaluating government revenue potential, expenditure efficiency, and financing options
- Create compelling economic briefs and policy recommendations translating complex analysis into accessible insights
Target Audience
- Economic analysts in government ministries, central banks, and regulatory agencies
- Investment analysts and portfolio managers assessing country risk and macroeconomic environments
- Policy advisors and researchers in think tanks, multilateral organizations, and development agencies
- Corporate strategists analyzing economic conditions for market entry, expansion, and risk management decisions
- Academic economists teaching economic analysis techniques and conducting applied economic research
- Development professionals designing and evaluating economic development programs and interventions
- Financial journalists and analysts interpreting economic data and trends for media and public audiences
- Consultants providing economic analysis services to public and private sector clients
Methodology
- Model building workshops constructing sophisticated economic models with progressive complexity and real-world relevance
- Data sourcing and preparation sessions accessing and processing economic data from international and national sources
- Case study analyses examining economic crises, policy responses, and successful economic management examples
- Scenario analysis exercises exploring economic outcomes under different policy choices and external conditions
- Dashboard design sessions creating interactive economic monitoring and reporting tools
- Peer review sessions providing feedback on model design, analytical approaches, and presentation of findings
- Capstone project developing a complete economic analysis addressing a specific policy or investment question
