Key takeaways from the conference
- Dates: The African Economic Conference convened from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Abidjan.
- Organizers: Jointly organized by the AfDB, UNDP, and OECD.
- Launch: The African Chief Economists’ Network (ACE-Network) was established on July 12.
- Participation: Over 4,000 virtual attendees joined over three days.
The headquarters of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan recently concluded the 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC), held from July 10 to 12. This significant event was co-organized by the AfDB, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The conference centered on the critical theme of “Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Agency and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World.”
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, officially inaugurated the proceedings. Throughout the three-day event, more than 4,000 participants actively engaged with the discussions online.
African Chief Economists’ Network takes shape
A pivotal outcome of the conference was the establishment of the African Chief Economists’ Network (ACE-Network), formally announced on its final day. This innovative platform is designed to synchronize the continent’s economic expertise and harmonize public policies, enabling Africa to better withstand global shocks and navigate complex international dynamics.
The network is envisioned as a crucial mechanism for formulating solutions to the intricate challenges Africa confronts amidst increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Professor Kevin Urama, Vice-President of the AfDB, emphasized the imperative for the continent to bolster its knowledge systems to exert greater influence within the global financial order.
From reliance to strategic self-determination
During the sessions, speakers consistently highlighted the urgent need for Africa to process its resources locally rather than exporting them in raw form. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director of the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, articulated that Africa’s inherent economic strength serves as its most potent geopolitical leverage.
Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist at UNDP Africa, cautioned that global uncertainties would continue to test the resilience of African institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice-President of the AfDB Group, urged attendees to translate the conference’s recommendations into concrete decisions and tangible actions.
Abidjan’s strategic role in Côte d’Ivoire
Abidjan has served as the permanent home for the African Development Bank’s headquarters since 2014, following its return from Tunis, where the institution had temporarily relocated during Côte d’Ivoire’s period of crisis. The economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire has firmly established itself as a prominent diplomatic and financial hub across West Africa.
The successful organization of this conference further underscores Abidjan’s strategic importance in continent-wide discussions concerning Africa’s economic future. Côte d’Ivoire, recognized as the leading economy within the West African Economic and Monetary Union, is actively prioritizing infrastructure development and the local transformation of its raw materials, notably cocoa.
Boosting intra-African trade and economic sovereignty
Discussions frequently revolved around the critical necessity of stimulating trade among African nations, which currently faces limitations due to tariff barriers and inadequate infrastructure. Rather than aligning with external geopolitical blocs, participants strongly advocated for genuine economic decision-making sovereignty for the continent.
The conclusions, released on July 12 and 13, presented a clear call to action: build a resilient and prosperous Africa capable of asserting its influence in global trade negotiations. The newly formed African Chief Economists’ Network is poised to be an instrumental tool in translating this ambitious vision into coordinated policies across the entire continent.
