World Economic History Congress 'huge success'

Despite the cold weather, the 2012 World Economic History Congress, hosted by the Economic History Society of Southern Africa and the Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University, was deemed a 'huge success' by organisers and delegates alike. The Congress, held from 9 to 13 July for the first time on the African continent, was attended by more than 800 delegates from 59 countries.

The Congress included fifteen parallel sessions over five days, an opening ceremony and plenary, a welcoming dinner (sponsored by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University), a cultural evening (pictured, photo by Reinhardt Germishuijs) and a closing debate.

"We had a great time in Stellenbosch. It was a superbly well organised congress. Congratulations!" said Leandro Prados de la Escosura, Professor of Economic History at Carlos III University, Madrid, summarising the general mood on Friday after the closing debate between Gareth Austin and James Robinson. The next host - Kyoto 2015 - was introduced at the closing ceremony.