The 2023 African Economic Conference, jointly organized by the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations Development Programme, is set to take place from November 16 to 18 at the UN Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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This year’s conference, the largest research and economic gathering on the continent, will address the theme of “Imperatives for Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of African industries and the continent’s heavy reliance on foreign manufacturers, particularly for essential medical supplies. It also highlighted Africa’s limited integration into global value chains. In response to these challenges, the conference aims to foster discussions among African ministers, United Nations partners, and key development and private sector representatives on the prospects for sustainable and green industrialization in Africa.
Key agenda points for the conference include:
Better Integration into Global Value Chains: The participants will explore strategies to enhance Africa’s integration into global value chains, ultimately spurring inclusive growth across the continent.
Green Businesses for Social Development: The conference will delve into the potential of green businesses to drive rapid social development while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Financing Sustainable Industrialization: Public and private sector financing options for sustainable industrialization will be examined to identify the most effective approaches.
Boosting Internal African Markets: The discussions will focus on strategies to increase Africa’s self-sufficiency and self-reliance in the production of basic goods and services, bolstering internal markets and productive capacity.
The conference will also seek to address the need for massive investments in infrastructure, especially in energy, to create an enabling environment for industrialization on the continent.
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The African Economic Conference, which began in 2006, has played an important role in fostering research, expert and policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing on various issues and challenges facing the African continent. It is considered the leading pan-African forum for discussing emerging economic challenges and opportunities.
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