Africa-Press. The African Economic Conference 2026 was inaugurated in Abidjan to explore ways to enhance Africa’s influence in a multipolar world. The main message at the opening of the conference, hosted at the headquarters of a regional development bank under the theme: “Enhancing Africa’s Geopolitical Role and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World,” emphasized the necessity for African nations to collaborate in shaping their future in an increasingly multipolar world.
This year’s conference, organized by a regional development bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is taking place from July 10 to 12, gathering a select group of economists, researchers, policymakers, and experts from regional and international development institutions.
Suleiman Diarassouba, the Minister of Planning and Development in Côte d’Ivoire and Governor of the regional development bank, called for a deep reassessment of Africa’s position amid geopolitical shifts.
He stated, “Africa can no longer be viewed merely as a source of raw materials. We must be recognized as a key player in global supply chains, a manufacturing hub, and a force capable of defending its interests within international economic governance.”
The President of the regional development bank, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, urged participants to move from analysis to action, emphasizing the need for a new narrative focusing on Africa’s role and impact.
He added, “For decades, discussions about Africa have centered on dependency, fragility, and adaptation. Today, we must focus on autonomy, resilience, competitiveness, and influence. Africa’s geopolitical independence will be measured by its ability to negotiate from a position of strength, shape the rules of the game, translate its collective interests into collective action, and ultimately influence outcomes.”
Amid growing global challenges, speakers highlighted the urgent need to redefine international rules and arrangements to enhance Africa’s strategic position, improve its economic resilience, and empower the continent to seize opportunities arising from a rapidly changing global system.
Ahuna Eziakonwa, the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the Regional Office for the United Nations Development Programme in Africa, emphasized Africa’s growing role in shaping global governance.
She stated, “The world is being reshaped. Africa’s role is no longer limited to adapting to rules set by others; it extends to contributing to the formulation of future rules. Geopolitical influence will not be granted to us; it must be earned through stronger institutions, deeper regional integration, flexible trade, and courageous collective action. This conference is where ideas transform into strategic assets for Africa.”
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mathias Cormann, highlighted the changing landscape of global development finance, stressing the need for more effective use of development aid while leveraging broader investment sources.
Pilar Garido, Director of International Development Cooperation at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, added, “For many partner countries, aid is no longer a reliable or growing source of financing. This reality calls for a reassessment, but it should strengthen our resolve, not weaken it. We must maintain and prioritize official development assistance where it is most needed while mobilizing significantly larger amounts of development finance from all available sources.”
The opening day of the conference featured in-depth discussions on manufacturing, human capital development, transforming the informal sector, employment for women and youth, natural resource management, digital transformation of public administration, and combating corruption. Researchers presented their findings before panels of experts and decision-makers, fostering constructive dialogue between academia and public policymakers.
Over three days, participants relied on rigorous analysis and evidence-based research to identify practical solutions to the most pressing challenges facing Africa. Key topics discussed included enhancing the role of the financial sector on the continent, developing local capital markets, and addressing the impact of international tensions on African economies.
Since its inception in 2006, the African Economic Conference has established itself as one of the premier platforms for political dialogue and developmental thinking on the continent. The conference encourages collaboration among researchers, government officials, development partners, and private sector actors.
The conference aims to find innovative solutions to the social and economic challenges facing Africa. It also highlights how collaboration among development institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the regional development bank, can add value by supporting evidence-based policy discussions that accelerate the pace of Africa’s development agenda.
According to a report distributed by a local source on behalf of the regional development bank, the 2026 edition will host the annual meeting of the Global Network of Senior Economists in Development and Finance Institutions and will witness the launch of a network of senior African economists.
The report added that graduates of the second cohort of the African Public Financial Management Academy and the first cohort of the African Macroeconomic Policy Management Academy will receive their certificates during a special ceremony.
