Africa Day 2018

Africa Day 2018

Africa is a continent in transformation, as more people move within countries and across borders than ever before. The continent has the youngest population in the world, some of the fastest growing economies, and rising potential in many sectors. But Africa also continues to suffer from persistent unemployment and poverty.

The EIB’s Africa Day was created to explore the continent’s many challenges and discuss ways to tap into its huge potential. The event serves as a platform for debate in areas such as private sector development, finance for small businesses, jobs for youth and women, agriculture, innovation and digitalisation.

This year’s event will be hosted by the EIB in partnership with UNIDO, the United Nations’ Industrial Development Organization. It will take place on 22 November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The topic at the top of the list will be sustainable industrialisation, an important step in the development of diverse economic growth in Africa.

Manufacturing is expected to expand quickly in Africa and create millions of jobs. The United Nations has identified industry, innovation and infrastructure as the ninth Sustainable Development Goal. The industry is of real importance for millions of ambitious young men and women in Africa who seek jobs and opportunities.

Africa Day will examine why sustainable industrialisation is increasingly topping the policy and business agenda in African countries. It will explore how the industry in Africa can become more appealing for European and African companies. Where are the opportunities for private investment in sustainable industrialisation? How can sustainable industrialisation help young entrepreneurs and women?

EIB projects in Africa

The EIB invests in a wide range of projects in sub-Saharan Africa, from providing financial support to allow microfinance institutions to lend small amounts to microenterprises and innovators, up to large infrastructure projects.

Download Africa Day 2018 Agenda

Original source: EIB
Published on 13 November 2018