I haven't been part of a formal research team with scientists from developing countries, but last year I attended a forum in Morocco about the AfCFTA trade agreement. I presented my work showing potential benefits for Morocco, but the real learning came during the Q&A. Economists and policymakers from across Africa challenged us with really tough questions about the practical difficulties of making AfCFTA work. Trying to answer them felt like a collaborative effort, forcing me to move beyond abstract theories and grapple with real-world problems. It definitely broadened my perspective.

That experience highlighted the kinds of obstacles researchers in these countries often face. For instance, we talked about how even with lower tariffs, things like red tape and poor roads could still prevent some countries from fully participating in AfCFTA. This showed me how important it is to really understand the local context.

One thing I realized is that research needs to be directly useful and relevant to the specific issues developing countries are dealing with. Fancy models are fine, but they need to consider things like limited budgets and shaky infrastructure. Going forward, I want to make sure my research addresses the real needs of researchers and leaders in these countries. Maybe that means talking to them early on, even before I start a project, to make sure it's something that will actually make a difference.