Overview
Decolonising Economics is a UK-based initiative focused on reshaping economic and financial systems through a racial justice lens. It seeks to address how colonial legacies influence contemporary economic structures and wealth distribution, and promotes alternative approaches rooted in equity and community ownership.
Mission and focus areas
The organisation’s mission centres on challenging “racial capitalism” and the persistence of colonial dynamics in economic systems. It works to deepen analysis of how wealth and power are maintained, while supporting a transition towards a solidarity economy that prioritises collective ownership and reparative approaches.
Its focus areas include racial justice, community wealth-building and just transition strategies. By translating decolonial theory into practical frameworks, it contributes to discussions relevant to sustainable finance, particularly around equitable capital allocation, inclusive economic models and long-term social value creation.
Structure and governance
Decolonising Economics operates as a small, mission-driven initiative that collaborates with partners, community organisations and broader “new economy” networks. Its work is shaped by practitioners and organisers from marginalised communities, with an emphasis on participatory and community-led approaches rather than traditional institutional hierarchies.
The organisation positions itself as a strategic partner rather than a formal training provider, focusing on influencing systems and practices through collaboration. Its governance appears to be decentralised, reflecting its emphasis on shared leadership and collective action.
Programs and offerings
Decolonising Economics provides strategic advisory services, research insights and practical frameworks aimed at shifting power and resources towards marginalised groups. Its work includes supporting solidarity economy initiatives, advising on community ownership models and developing accessible tools to apply decolonial thinking in practice.
It also offers resources and partnerships that help organisations rethink economic strategies and implement just transition approaches. These outputs are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making them relevant for practitioners seeking to integrate equity considerations into economic and financial decision-making.
Our mission is to identify ways in which individuals and institutions can divest from whiteness, and create the infrastructure that organises those with wealth to redistribute towards marginalised communities who are investing in the solidarity economy. We have taken a lot of inspiration from organisations such as Cooperation Jackson, Chordata Capital, White Awake, Movement Generation and New Economy Coalition who are based in the US. We know that so much of this work needs to be rooted in an experience of European colonisation. We have a responsibility to drive the decolonising agenda from the heart of the world’s colonial powers – bringing our own narratives and political analysis to the resources and frameworks we build.
