from ALEXIS DOUMBIA in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire Bureau
ABIDJAN, (CAJ News) – AFRICA’S economic leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to building a resilient and prosperous continent following the conclusion of the 2026 African Economic Conference in Abidjan.
The three-day conference, held from 10 to 12 July at the African Development Bank Group headquarters, brought together economists, researchers, policymakers and development experts to discuss ways of strengthening Africa’s geopolitical agency and trade resilience in a multipolar world.
The event, jointly organised by the African Development Bank Group, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), focused on practical solutions to help African economies navigate global uncertainty.
Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist and Head of Strategy, Analysis and Research at UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, said global economic challenges would continue testing African institutions but would not undermine the continent’s human potential.
He called for stronger partnerships and coordinated efforts to create the resilient Africa needed by its people and the wider world.
Ida McDonnell, Senior Policy Advisor on Development Policy, Finance and Performance at the OECD, highlighted the importance of integrated policymaking, saying trade, debt, investment, climate action and development finance were increasingly interconnected.
African Development Bank Group Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade said discussions at the conference had generated valuable insights into policies required to enhance Africa’s economic position and strengthen trade resilience.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa Director Ahunna Eziakonwa urged stakeholders to maintain momentum by removing trade barriers, investing in innovation, strengthening regional value chains and empowering young people.
She said Africa’s influence in a multipolar world would depend on building its own economic strength rather than relying on external alliances.
The conference hosted the Global Network of Chief Economists of Development and Financing Institutions meeting and launched the African Chief Economists Network (ACE Network) successfully.
– CAJ News