Key takeaways from the conference
- Event Dates: The African Economic Conference convened from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Abidjan.
- Principal Organizers: The African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) jointly hosted the event.
- Network Inauguration: The African Chief Economists’ Network (ACE-Network) was officially launched on July 12.
- Attendance: Over 4,000 participants engaged virtually throughout the three-day discussions.
From July 10 to 12, the headquarters of the African Development Bank in Abidjan proudly hosted the 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC). This significant gathering, a collaborative effort with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, focused on the critical theme: « Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Action and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World ».
The Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, officially inaugurated the proceedings. Throughout the conference, more than 4,000 attendees actively followed the discussions online, demonstrating broad engagement across the continent and beyond.
The inauguration of the african chief economists’ network
A pivotal outcome of the conference was the establishment of the African Chief Economists’ Network (ACE-Network), a landmark announcement made on the final day. This new platform is designed to synchronize economic expertise across Africa and streamline public policies, enabling a more unified response to global disruptions.
The network’s primary objective is to formulate effective strategies for the complex challenges confronting Africa amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Professor Kevin Urama, Vice-President of the AfDB, emphasized the imperative for the continent to bolster its knowledge systems, thereby enhancing its influence within the global financial order.
From reliance to strategic autonomy
Speakers repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for local transformation of Africa’s resources, advocating against the continued export of raw materials. 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 for UNDP Africa, cautioned that global uncertainties would persistently test the resilience of African institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice-President of the AfDB Group, issued a call to action, urging that the conference’s recommendations be translated into tangible decisions and concrete implementation.
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 temporary relocation to Tunis during Côte d’Ivoire’s period of crisis. Today, the Ivorian economic capital has firmly established itself as a pivotal diplomatic and financial hub within West Africa.
The successful organization of this conference underscores Abidjan’s strategic importance in shaping discussions about Africa’s economic future. Côte d’Ivoire, recognized as the leading economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, is actively investing in infrastructure development and the local processing of its primary commodities, notably cocoa.
Boosting intra-african trade and decision-making sovereignty
Central to the conference debates was the critical need to invigorate 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 comprehensive conclusions, released on July 12 and 13, presented a clear vision for building a resilient and prosperous Africa, one capable of asserting its influence in global trade negotiations. The newly established African Chief Economists’ Network is poised to be a crucial instrument in transforming this ambition into coordinated, continent-wide policies.
