Continent Radar - Africa

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has partnered with Chad's government to develop a National Data Governance Strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's digital sovereignty and promote a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital ecosystem. A series of national engagements brought together stakeholders from various sectors to review Chad's existing data governance landscape, build capacities in key areas, and introduce a free learning platform for public officials to acquire AI knowledge and skills. The initiative marks a significant step towards advancing Africa's digital transformation agenda and positioning data as a strategic lever for public sector efficiency and sustainable development.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has launched a regional project to accelerate women's digital entrepreneurship across four African countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Namibia, and the Republic of Congo. The initiative, titled 'Fostering Digital Entrepreneurship Among Women in Africa', aims to strengthen women's participation in the digital economy by providing digital literacy and financial management training to over 1,000 women entrepreneurs. It also seeks to empower policymakers to design inclusive and gender-responsive digital ecosystems. The project will deliver national workshops, regional training programs, and online learning modules, with the goal of achieving more inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development across the continent by 2029.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has reinforced its commitment to advancing sustainable urbanization across the African continent at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The ECA championed the Nairobi Declaration and Africa's Urban Position through high-level engagement, ministerial leadership, and a landmark side event. The Forum saw the adoption of a Ministerial Implementation Action Plan, designating WUF13 and the July 2026 UN General Assembly High Level Review of the New Urban Agenda as critical platforms for advancing Africa's coordinated urban voice on the global stage. The ECA's participation underscores its strategic role as a key technical partner in realizing the African Urban Position, with a focus on mobilizing domestic resources, advancing data-driven urban planning, and strengthening local government capacity.

Africa's youthful population, with its immense potential for growth and innovation, is being held back by limited access to finance, education, and job opportunities. Despite having national youth policies in place, many African countries struggle to turn these policies into tangible progress. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is piloting a new initiative that takes a more integrated approach, combining skills-building, job creation, and entrepreneurship support to create a more cohesive system. If successful, this could unlock the continent's economic potential and create a brighter future for its young people. With Africa's working-age population set to surpass the rest of the world combined by 2035, the stakes are high, but so are the potential rewards.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has launched a new initiative to accelerate the implementation of national youth policies, creating more decent jobs and productive entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent's growing youth population. The initiative, 'Strengthening Youth Policy Implementation and Employment Pathways in Africa', has already hosted a local workshop in Dire Dawa and a regional Expert Group Meeting in Addis Ababa, bringing together local government institutions, youth networks, civil society, and private sector representatives to co-create practical solutions. The meetings highlighted the need for greater support, including access to tools, equipment, and markets, as well as more relevant education and eased regulations for youth-led start-ups. The discussions will contribute to an upcoming ECA solution-oriented study, designed to help African countries strengthen their existing youth policies and deliver greater results.

The Economic Commission for Africa's Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, has urged African countries to prioritize water investments, citing a significant financing gap that hinders progress on sustainable development and climate resilience. With over 400 million people lacking access to basic drinking water and 700 million without safely managed sanitation, Africa requires more than $50 billion annually to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 6. Gatete emphasized that water should be treated as a vital economic asset, driving growth, jobs, and resilience. He outlined four priorities for action, including integrating water into national development plans, building a pipeline of bankable projects, expanding blended finance, and strengthening governance and data systems. The ECA is ready to work with partners to support the implementation of the Africa Water Vision 2063, aiming to achieve a water-secure and resilient Africa by 2063.

Ethiopia has launched its National E-Mobility Strategy 2025-2030, a comprehensive roadmap to transition the country to clean, efficient, and sustainable mobility. The strategy outlines priority actions across six areas, including policy reform, fleet transition, and charging infrastructure deployment. With EV adoption growing rapidly, from 7,000 vehicles in 2023 to a projected 115,000 by the end of 2026, the government aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, which cost the country $4 billion in 2023. The launch is backed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, and the World Resources Institute, and is seen as a model for translating the African Union's Continental Framework on Electric Vehicles into national action.

The Africa High-level Working Group on the Global Financial Architecture met in Brazzaville to discuss the implications of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on African economies. The mechanism, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, may have far-reaching consequences for Africa's industrialization, trade, and development. African exporters are likely to face substantial new carbon levies and compliance obligations, which could stoke trade tensions, fuel economic fragmentation, and exacerbate global inequality. The group emphasized the need for an evidence-based, coordinated, and fair response to CBAM, with adequate support and transition time to avoid it becoming a barrier to market access. The meeting aimed to find ways for Africa to respond to CBAM in a way that protects its economies, supports industrialization, and advances a just transition.

The Economic Commission for Africa has emphasized the importance of supporting youth-led enterprises in Africa, citing the need for practical interventions such as youth-focused trade finance, credit guarantees, and standards certification support. A recent webinar brought together policymakers, private-sector representatives, and youth organizations to discuss how the African Continental Free Trade Area can become a driving force for youth entrepreneurship, industrialization, and job creation. With Africa needing to create approximately 15 million jobs annually to harness its demographic dividend, speakers stressed that youth employment and enterprise development are central to the continent's transformation agenda. However, they also warned that without targeted support, youth-led enterprises will struggle to benefit from AfCFTA opportunities, highlighting the need for stronger supplier development programs and improved border infrastructure.