Continent Radar - Africa

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is hosting a regional workshop in Lomé, Togo, to discuss strategies for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The meeting brings together representatives from West and North Africa to assess progress, share best practices, and identify challenges. With the potential to increase intra-African trade by 45% by 2045, the AfCFTA could boost industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation. The workshop aims to accelerate the continent's trade integration and reduce external dependency, particularly in the face of global supply chain disruptions. According to ECA simulations, the full implementation of the AfCFTA could result in nearly $276 billion in additional trade, with significant gains in agribusiness, manufacturing, and services.

Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards developing its capital market with the introduction of a ten-year strategic roadmap, the Capital Markets Master Plan (CMMP). The plan, designed by Genesis Analytics and Bourse Consult, aims to create a deep, diversified, and trusted capital market capable of financing the country's economic transformation. Over 80 representatives from Ethiopia's financial sector gathered for a Stakeholder Validation Workshop to review the draft CMMP and provide feedback. The plan identifies six key areas of reform, including strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, developing market infrastructure, and expanding investor participation. With the support of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and other development partners, Ethiopia is poised to consolidate its gains and move towards a more mature and diversified market over the coming decade.

A recent webinar gathered over 200 participants to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on Africa's job market. While AI poses a risk of labour market disruption, it also offers significant potential to raise productivity in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Speakers emphasized the need for deliberate and practical responses to unlock AI's benefits, including investing in infrastructure, research, and human capacity. They also highlighted the importance of developing digital and STEM skills, particularly for youth and women, to ensure inclusive AI adoption. With over 2,400 AI-focused organizations already operating in Africa, the continent has a growing innovation base, but infrastructure gaps, low digital literacy, and weak data governance remain significant challenges. To address these challenges, panelists called for strong legal frameworks, local-language AI models, and 'frugal AI' solutions that are cost-effective and adapted to African contexts.

The Economic Commission for Africa is set to host the inaugural Africa Development Impact Forum (ADIF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from June 11 to 12. The forum will bring together policymakers, development partners, and private sector leaders to accelerate practical solutions for job creation across the continent. With a focus on turning evidence into action, ADIF 2026 aims to address Africa's implementation gap and scale job-creation solutions. The forum will emphasize five priorities: implementation, jobs and youth opportunity, evidence and innovation, partnerships, and accountability. By focusing on what works and how to scale it, ADIF 2026 aims to contribute to a stronger implementation culture across Africa's development landscape.

The Republic of Ghana and Tunisia, in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, held a roundtable discussion on leveraging remittances and diaspora contributions to achieve development goals in Africa. The meeting highlighted the potential of remittances, which have proven to be a robust and reliable channel for financing sustainable development, with African diaspora remittances exceeding $100 billion in 2025. Participants presented key recommendations, including integrating remittances into national planning, developing frameworks for productive investments, and strengthening data systems. The discussion emphasized the importance of coherent policies, improved data systems, and digital transformation to unlock the full potential of diaspora contributions. Concrete country experiences, such as those of Ghana and Tunisia, showcased efforts to mainstream diaspora contributions into national planning frameworks, aiming to move beyond traditional uses of remittances for consumption towards more productive investments.

Mauritius, in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the Economic Development Board, has convened a workshop to develop green value chains in Southern Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event brought together policymakers, development partners, and private sector representatives to discuss strategies for strengthening sustainable and competitive value chains. Speakers emphasized the importance of shaping AfCFTA implementation around sustainability and inclusivity, and highlighted the impact of climate change on trade and supply chains. The workshop identified key actions, including supporting AfCFTA implementation through circular economy interventions and reducing waste, and outlined opportunities for regional collaboration.

The United Nations Secretary-General and the African Union Chairperson have reaffirmed their commitment to a strong partnership, focusing on key areas such as peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. They also emphasized the need for reforms in the global financial architecture, which currently hinders Africa's economic growth. The Secretary-General expressed support for the creation of a New African Financial Architecture for Development and an African Credit Rating Agency, aiming to provide more equitable access to financing for African countries. The partnership between the UN and AU is expected to continue beyond the Secretary-General's mandate, with a new declaration signed to further institutionalize their cooperation.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations has urged the international community to support Africa's efforts to take charge of its development, conflict resolution, and human rights. In a meeting with the President of France and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Secretary-General acknowledged the historical injustices faced by African countries, including the legacy of colonialism and the current international financial system, which he said favors developed nations. The Secretary-General proposed several measures to support African development, including increasing funding for multilateral banks, such as the African Development Bank, and creating special drawing rights to provide more resources to the continent. He emphasized that these efforts can be made without increasing budget expenditures, but rather by reallocating existing resources and leveraging the power of multilateral institutions.

North Africa is at a crossroads, with a large share of its population set to reach working age in the coming decades. To realize this demographic potential, creating enough jobs is crucial, and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are key to this effort. Representing 80-90% of formal firms and about half of formal employment, SMEs could drive more inclusive growth with stronger development programs. Morocco leads in SMEs' socio-economic contribution, while countries like Libya, Mauritania, and Sudan face significant untapped potential due to structural constraints. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digitalization offer opportunities for growth, and targeted support programs have shown significant improvements in business and managerial skills. With the next four years critical for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, well-designed support programs can enhance SME productivity, regional integration, and resilience.