Niamey, 19 Nov (ANP) - African Industrialisation Week, to be launched in Niger on Sunday, 20 November 2022, aims to foster continental determination and commitment through ambitious policy and investment measures that will accelerate Africa's industrialisation efforts.
During this week, an Extraordinary Summit of the African Union will focus on industrialisation and economic diversification under the theme: “Renewed commitment towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification.”
As a reminder, 20 November is celebrated annually as Africa Industrialization Day. This date was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity in July 1989, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Africa Industrialization Day provides a critical opportunity for key stakeholders to reflect on the continent’s industrialisation progress while reassessing how its current situation can be transformed.
Since 2018, this observance has transitioned from a single day to a week-long series of events, marking a break from tradition and allowing more time to reflect and drive concrete actions for Africa’s structural transformation. These efforts align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Given the significant linkages between industrialisation and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), the week will include an extraordinary session of the African Union specifically focusing on the AfCFTA.
The Extraordinary Summit on Industrialisation and Economic Diversification seeks to mobilise political momentum, resources, partnerships, and alliances in support of Africa’s industrialisation goals.
It is also intended as a meeting to decide on a new continental policy framework on Africa's industrialisation, aimed at building continental determination and commitment to an ambitious set of policy and investment measures to accelerate the continent's industrialisation drive.
The Summit will aim to strengthen regional industrial value chains to define Africa’s industrialisation goals clearly. These efforts will focus on job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for MSMEs, youth, and women. The discussions will occur within the broader context of current and emerging socio-economic trends at both the continental and global levels.
The Summit will also provide high-level political support to advance a global agenda for Africa's industrialisation. This agenda will be driven by public-private partnerships at national, regional, and continental levels. The summit will also work toward harmonising global policy frameworks and investment financing to support industrialisation.
Starting Sunday, 20 November, Niger will host a range of events as part of the celebrations for African Industrialisation Week. These events will culminate in a double summit of African Union Heads of State and Government, focusing on industrialisation, economic diversification, and on the AfCFTA.
AIO/AS/ANP 0118 November 2022
Credit: Agence Nigérienne de Presse