As Gaborone, Botswana, hosts the African Economic Conference (AEC) 2024 from November 23–25, a dynamic blend of policymakers, academics, and industry leaders are coming together under the theme: “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty.” This highly anticipated event, co-organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), is set to address the multifaceted challenges Africa faces and propose innovative pathways forward.

Key Areas of Focus

The conference agenda centers around four pillars critical to Africa’s sustainable development:

1. Navigating Uncertainty
   Delegates will explore the impact of economic volatility, climate change, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Strategies will focus on minimizing disruptions to trade and investment flows and fostering economic resilience.
2. Resilience Building
   From tackling pandemics to political instability, experts will outline actionable frameworks to strengthen Africa’s ability to recover from future shocks.
3. Financing Development Innovatively
   The spotlight is on attracting sustainable investments through approaches like blended finance and public-private partnerships to bridge the continent’s funding gap.
4. Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Growth
   The transformative power of digital tools and tech innovation will be explored as a means to foster creativity, streamline governance, and enhance productivity.

A Platform for Change

The AEC has consistently proven its worth as a forum for collaboration. Previous iterations led to impactful initiatives such as the promotion of green technologies and strategies for regional integration. In 2024, the focus extends to empowering youth and women, highlighting their crucial roles in economic transformation.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, emphasized the collective responsibility required: “Securing Africa’s economic future requires collective action. AEC 2024 harnesses the wisdom of diverse stakeholders to shape resilient economies.”

Why This Matters

Africa stands at a crossroads. Economic downturns from external shocks like COVID-19 and global trade disputes have slowed growth, but the continent has vast potential for recovery. The AEC provides a space for leaders to brainstorm and commit to strategies that ensure long-term prosperity, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Join the conversation! How do you think technology or regional trade can help Africa thrive amidst global uncertainties? Share your thoughts below or on social media with #AEC2024. Let’s chart a brighter future for the continent together!