AU, UN agencies call for building resilient industries to advance Africa's development

President William Ruto holds bilateral talks with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the African Union Summit 37th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa on February 18, 2024. The theme of the summit is on the building resilient Education Systems for Africa's 21st Century human capital. In his capacity as the Chair of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) the President also delivered a report on the strides the continent has made in mitigating the climate crisis. [FILE, Standard.]

The African Union (AU) and two United Nations agencies have called for concerted efforts in building resilient industries capable of navigating external shocks to drive Africa's development aspirations.

The joint call by the AU, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was made in a joint statement issued late Wednesday on the occasion of Africa Industrialization Day, which is commemorated every year on Nov. 20 in line with African leaders' decision in 1989.

Reaffirming their joint commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient industrialization as a pathway for Africa's structural transformation, the three organizations underscored that industrialization remains the linchpin of Africa's development ambition.

Noting that industrialization is crucial to address Africa's socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and inequality, they emphasized the need to build Africa's resilience amid challenges in the global industrial landscape, which is increasingly shaped by global supply chain disruptions, the economic consequences of geopolitical conflicts and environmental challenges.

"These events underscore the necessity for Africa to build resilient industries capable of navigating such external shocks. Africa must seize opportunities to diversify its industrial base, leveraging its natural resource endowment, youthful population, innovation and rising middle class," the joint statement read.

They also emphasized the urgent need for Africa to be fully part of the fourth industrial revolution and utilize emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and 3D printing technology to build industries that are beneficial to current and future generations.

The three organizations highlighted the importance of creating conducive environments for investments in infrastructure, skill development, and industrial productivity, emphasizing the role of the private sector in advancing innovation and competitiveness.

Underscoring the collective need to advance Africa's economic diversification in line with the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint Agenda 2063, the three organizations called on partners and stakeholders to join forces to expedite Africa's industrialization.

"Our shared efforts will drive the continent towards greater economic resilience, social equity, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Africa takes its rightful place as a global industrial powerhouse," the joint statement said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a message issued Wednesday on the 35th anniversary of Africa Industrialization Day, urged Africa to harness the transformative potential of technology and advance inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth.