“From political commitments to actions on the ground”

African Heads of State and Government and other high-level dignitaries will take part in an event dedicated to the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) to be held at the United Nations headquarters on Thursday 21 September 2017.

Since 2000 the continent of Africa has recorded impressive rates of economic growth. This remarkable performance has been largely driven by the prolonged commodity boom and development assistance. While the continent shows great diversity in the socio-economic trajectories of its countries, growth rates have generally masked an underlying lack of structural transformation, which is needed to achieve socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable development.

African countries seek to change the structures of their economies by substantially increasing the shares of industry – especially manufacturing – in national investments, national output, and trade, as reflected in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and in the economic growth strategies of most African nations.

Previous efforts to foster sustainable economic transformation in Africa have failed, and the need for a new approach is clear. What is needed now is a broad-based and country-owned process that leverages financial and non-financial resources, promotes regional integration, and mobilizes co-operation among Africa’s development partners.

The vision for the implementation of IDDA III is to firmly anchor Africa on a path towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development. The framework and roadmap for the implementation of this new approach will be endorsed by the international community at this high-level event during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. A keynote speech is expected to be delivered by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Brief statements from high-level participants, including African Heads of State, will be made. This will be followed by an interactive discussion. The event will be moderated by CNN journalist, Zain Asher.

Journalists will be invited to attend a press briefing on Thursday 21 September 2017. Further details will be shared in due course.

Learn more about the IDDA III here: http://www.unido.org/idda3.html

Journalists who are interested in attending the press briefing please contact:
Mr. Jason G SLATER, Chief of Corporate Communication and Media Relation Division
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Tel: +43-1-26026-3063 | Mobile: +43-699-1459-3063
E-Mail: j.slater@unido.org