The African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and the UN Development Programme are set to jointly host the 2023 African Economic Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 16–18.
The conference, to be held in a hybrid format at the UN Conference Centre, will bring together African ministers, UN partners, development experts, and private sector players to discuss challenges and opportunities for boosting green and sustainable industrialisation in Africa.
According to the organisers, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses of African industries and their dependence on foreign manufacturers, especially for medicines and medical supplies. It also highlighted Africa’s limited integration into global supply chains.
The conference will explore options like integrating into value chains, financing green businesses, public-private partnerships, and expanding internal markets to increase self-reliance on basic goods and services.
Young researchers will also present solution-oriented research to policymakers at the conference. Since 2006, the forum has facilitated expert dialogues and knowledge sharing on emerging economic issues in Africa.
Previous meetings stressed adapting international policies and building local capacity to better respond to Africa’s needs. With the theme “Imperatives for Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa,” the 2023 conference will focus on strategies to boost sustainable industrialisation on the continent.