Africa Industrialization Day 2025; November 20th.

FORUM:"Transforming Africa’s Economy through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration, and Innovation." Africa Industrialization Day 2025. Sustainable industrialization, regional integration and innovation, a focus key thematic Week’s policy discussion area, aligns with key AU continental industrialization policy frameworks. The Action Plan for Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA) and Industrial Development Decades for Africa (IDDA III) emphasize sustainable industrialization and economic diversification. On the other hand, it aligns with the AfCFTA Protocols on promoting regional integration, trade, and industrial development. In this regard, the 2025 AIW week’s long policy debate will advance innovative thoughts on how the continent can harness its vast and abundant natural resources, promote economic growth, and create jobs. Regional integration, facilitated by AfCFTA, enables the creation of larger markets, increasing competitiveness and attracting investments. Innovation is a crucial driver of productivity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. By integrating and embracing these concepts, Africa can accelerate its industrialization journey, achieve structural & productive transformations and sustainable economic development, as envisioned in the AU's Agenda 2063, particularly, on aspirations One: Sustainable development and economic diversification, and goals 4: “Transformed Economies”. This convergence can propel Africa's economic growth. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #sustainableindustralization, #AccelerateafricasIndustrialization, #AIW2025, #integratedmarket, #AfricaIndustrializationDay, #Industrialization, #20november, #AfricaIndustrialization, #AfricaIndustrializationWeek, #IndustrializingAfrica.

EVENT: 2025 African Industrialization Week (AIW 2025).

The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the United Nations IndustrialDevelopment Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa(UNECA), African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD), and the Afro-Champions Initiative, will host the 2025 AIW which will take place from 17th to 21st November 2025 and will be held under the theme: “Transforming Africa’s Economy through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration and Innovation”. The events of the week are designed to bring together key stakeholders for comprehensive multi-stakeholder dialogue. The 2025 edition will further leverage the creative potential of the African youth startups to drive economic growth and development, a forum aimed at highlighting the innovative Youth Start-ups enterprises across the continent. These three events envisioned to promote sustainable industrialization, innovation, and regional integration, to drive Africa's economic development.

2. OBJECTIVES

 2.1. The overall objective emphasizes building synergies between policy models, investments, innovation, and capacity building of youth starts-ups across sectors to transform Africa's economy through sustainable industrialization, regional integration, and innovation, targeting at driving economic growth and development. 

The following are the specific objectives: i. To promote sustainable industrialization amongst the AU Member States for adoption by identifying and showcasing policy models and best practices that can be replicated across Africa. ii. To foster regional integration by strengthening inter AU member state and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) coordination on industrial development. iii. To provide a platform for the African Youth Startups and Women led enterprises for networking and access to investment opportunities. iv. To encourage the development of industrial infrastructure through policy discussion and agreement on strategies that support industrial growth and regional integration. v. To enhance policy recommendations and continental regulatory industrial policy frameworks such as AIDA and IDDA III, and guidelines for promoting sustainable industrialization, regional integration, and innovation in Africa. 

3. EXPECTED OUTCOMES 

3.1The following are the expected outcomes: 

i. Replicable sustainable industrialization policy models and best practices are identified and showcased for African Union member states. ii. Strengthened Inter AU member state and REC coordination on industrialization iii. Intra-African trade and investment in industrial sectors are increased especially among women and the youth. iv. Industrial policy strategies for industrial infrastructure development identified to support industrial growth and regional integration. v. Actionable policy recommendations and guidelines for promoting sustainable industrialization, regional integration, and promoting innovations in Africa identified.

 4. WHO WILL ATTEND

4.1 The AIW2025 will draw participants among others from African Union member states, Regional Economic Communities; UN agencies; Regional and International DevelopmentFinance Institutions; representatives of the private sector, civil society, Youth start-Ups, African Women in Processing involved in the industrialization agenda in the continent. Inclusion of women and youth start-ups ensures that the future leaders and innovators get a chance to voice their creative ideas and get invaluable exposure, as well as for achieving gender parity in industry and promoting women empowerment. 

5. FORMAT 

5.1. The week will have several events led by different organizations and these will include high-level event which will be marked by speeches from dignitaries on Africaindustrialization Day. It will also have side events which will include presentations, Panel discussions on topical issues that will contribute to realizing the objectives. Apart from these, Youth and women will exhibit their value added products and innovations to potential buyers and investors. 

6. VENUE AND DATES

 6.1 The Africa Industrialization Week, 4th AWIP Forum and 1st African Youth Starts-UpForum event for 2025 will take place from 17th –21st November 2025, Kampala Uganda. Register to participate!

Statements of the United Nations Secretary-General on Africa Industrialization Day 2025.


On Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the continent’s determination to transform its economies and build a sustainable future for all.

Across Africa, green industries are expanding — powered to a great extent by the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of women and youth.

At the same time, the African Continental Free Trade Area is opening a new era of opportunity — creating a unified market and laying the foundations for sustainable supply chains and shared prosperity across the region.

Yet challenges remain. Climate change, mounting debt, and food and energy insecurity all pose threats to Africa’s growth.

This year’s theme — Transforming Africa’s Economy through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration, and Innovation — highlights the urgent need for an industrial future that is both green and digitally connected.

To get there, we must reform the global financial architecture. That means delivering real debt relief, tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, and giving developing countries a more meaningful role in the economic institutions that govern their fate.

Sustainable industrialization is vital to unlocking Africa’s full potential and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Let us work together to harness creativity, deepen regional ties, and ensure that Africa’s growth benefits both people and planet.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Draft Agenda & Programme of Work Africa Youth Startups Forum (AYSF 2025).

Theme: “Igniting Youth Innovation: AI, Fintech, and ProductDevelopment for Africa’s Industrial Transformation” 

Dates: 18th – 20th November 2025 

Venue: Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel, Kampala, Uganda.

Day One: Tuesday, 18th November 2025 Focus: Showcasing Youth Innovations & Unlocking Finance.

Day Two: Wednesday, 19th November 2025 Focus: Deal-making, Mentoring and Clinics.

Day Three: Thursday, 20th November 2025 Focus: AID Day & Recognition of Youth Innovations.

CONTACT INFORMATION 

A. African Union Commission 

i. Mr. William Simwanza, Expert Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals P.O Box 3243, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, simwanzaw@africanunion.org 

ii. Mr. Robine Okello, Industrial Policy and Economic Transformation Expert Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) P.O Box 3243, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, robineo@africanunion.org 

B. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Republic of Uganda 

i. Mr. Denis Ainebyona, Commissioner for Industry and Technology, Department of Industry and Technology, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Email: denis.ainebyona@mtic.go.ug 

 Email : dainebyona@yahoo.com.

 ii. Ms. Berna Nakkazi Senior Industrial Officer, Department of Industry and Technology Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Email: Berna.nakkazi@mtic.go.ug, Email : bernieritah@gmail.com

LIVESTREAM: AID2025

a

Africa Industrialization Day 2024; November 20th.

FORUM: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa's Structural Transformation”. Africa Industrialization Day 2024. The theme focuses on harnessing emerging technologies like AI and innovations in green manufacturing to accelerate Africa's industrialization in a sustainable manner. The event aims to build stronger policy advocacy; harness the power of AI in reviving Africa's industrial sectors; improve efficiency; boost productivity; and foster innovation in Africa's industrialization agenda. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #ArtificialIntelligence, #AccelerateafricasIndustrialization, #AIW2024, #integratedmarket, #AfricaIndustrializationDay, #Industrialization, #20november, #AfricaIndustrialization, #AfricaIndustrializationWeek, #IndustrializingAfrica.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General for Africa Industrialization Day 2024; November 20th.

On Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.

From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the Continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.

This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.

Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration.

I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth. The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.

António Guterres’ United Nations Secretary-General.

PUBLICATION: The crucial challenge facing policy makers in government and the multilateral agencies is that of framing a new industrial strategy for sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century. Whatever its limited success in other fields, structural adjustment has failed signally not just in reversing the recent trend towards de-industrialization but also in creating an appropriate policy environment for sustained industrial growth. … A fresh start—a new approach—is needed. Read the IMF report entitled ''10 Africa: Industrialization Strategy In the Context of Globalization''!

EVENTS: On November 20th; The observance of the Africa Industrialization Day 2024 is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.

 

This year, Africa Industrialization Week is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from the 25th to the 29th of November 2024, under the theme “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa's Structural Transformation”.

Consequently, the 3rd Edition of the African Women in Processing Summit (3rd AWIP) will be held on the margins of the Africa Industrialization Week. This summit will focus on empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa's processing industries.

Overall objectives

The overall objective emphasizes building synergies between policy, investments, innovation, and capacity building across sectors to effectively leverage AI and green solutions for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Africa, as underlined below. Specifically;

• To build stronger policy advocacy around leveraging AI and green industrialization for Africa's sustainable development.
• To highlight strategies and best practices for harnessing the power of AI to boost productivity and efficiency across industrial sectors in Africa.
• To promote investments in AI solutions that can help revive and transform key industries in Africa.
• To facilitate experience and knowledge sharing between policymakers, industries, academia, civil society and development partners on integrating AI in production systems.
• To explore collaborative initiatives between public and private sector for increased funding in AI research and development for industrial applications.
• To enhance technical skills and capabilities in AI and green technologies critical to Africa's industrial growth and global competitiveness, in line with the existing Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA7 2016-2025), SDG 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063 which aims to transform and revitalize education in Africa.
• To showcase innovative use cases of AI and green industrialization by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa.
• To formulate policy recommendations and actionable strategies for mainstreaming AI and green industry in Africa's industrialization planning and development agenda.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger policy frameworks and advocacy plans formulated to integrate AI and green industrialization in Africa's development policies and strategies at national, regional and continental levels.
• Increased awareness and knowledge on the applications of AI in enhancing productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa's industrial sectors.
• New partnerships and investment commitments established to fund AI and green technology R&D and scale up deployment in Africa's industries.
• Enhanced collaboration between policymakers, industries, academia and other stakeholders to develop sector-specific AI adoption roadmaps.
• Increased skills, capabilities and technical expertise in AI and green industrial technologies across industrial workforce and institutions in Africa.
• New databases and knowledge exchange platforms developed to showcase AI and green technology innovations by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa.
• Valuable case studies and best practices documented on the implementation of AI and green industry solutions in Africa.
• Comprehensive policy recommendations and action plans developed for mainstreaming AI and green industrialization in Africa's development policies and strategies.
• Commitments from stakeholders to implement strategies and actions for harnessing AI and green industry to advance Africa's industrialization.

Africa Industrialization Day 2023; November 20th.

FORUM: “Accelerating Africa’s Industrialization Through the Empowerment of African women in Processing for an Integrated Market.” Africa Industrialization Day 2023. This year’s AID is being held to build more policy advocacy on the continent’s industrialization agenda, as well as the organization of the 2nd Edition of the African Women in Processing Summit. The theme will focus on the critical role of women-led enterprises in driving Africa’s industrialization through processing and value addition, and will highlight integration of women entrepreneurs in African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area. With intra-African trade dominated with manufactured products, there is a huge potential for women to take up more roles in manufacturing as a pathway to the African continent’s structural transformation, economic inclusion as well as job creation. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #AccelerateafricasIndustrialization, #AIW2023, #integratedmarket, #AfricaIndustrializationDay, #Industrialization, #20november, #AfricaIndustrialization, #AfricaIndustrializationWeek, #IndustrializingAfrica.

EVENTS: On November 20th, from 1:15 – 2:15 PM (EST) a high level event jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the African Union Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM), the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations to mark the Africa Industialization Day 2023 will be held at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations. The event will bring together representatives of African states, other Member States, regional entities, and partner organizations of the UN system supporting Africa’s sustainable development. It will consist of a few high-level statements and a buffet lunch. During the Africa Industrialization week 2023 in Cairo, Egypt from November 09th to November 15th. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) impactful contribution to regional integration and trade initiatives in Africa. Through its Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD), ECA showcased some of its new and existing strides toward reshaping Africa’s economic landscape. Get the AID2023 agenda programme!

Launch of the "Industrial policy for a fair globalization" Industrial Development Report 2024.

The UNIDO’s Industrial Development Report 2024 calls for bold policy initiatives to channel investments into sustainable industry, which holds great potential for facilitating recovery and accelerating progress. When industry is aligned with the SDGs, it can ignite innovation, create decent jobs and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. The strong resurgence of industrial policy worldwide highlights a renewed interest in the power of industry to solve today’s challenges. This resurgence is primarily driven by the world’s most industrialized countries. Developing countries must match these efforts to fully leverage industrial policy for the achievement of the SDGs. Domestic efforts alone will not suffice. The report urges the international community to come together in solidarity to support the world’s most vulnerable countries. We need a New Deal for fair globalization and global solidarity with a renewed spirit of international partnership, enabling developing countries to design, finance and implement SDG-oriented industrial policies. The report puts forth actions to bolster modern industrial policy capable of addressing the trends of tomorrow. This calls for enhancing government capabilities, increasing access to finance and promoting regional and global coordination.

Discussion Points: Industrial policy solutions for fair globalization.

Objective: A high-level debate around industrial policy involving policymakers across different regions on industrial policy solutions for a fair future. The debate will be prompted by key findings of the IDR 2024, presented in an overview document that will be available in digital and printed formats. Read the Concept note.

PUBLICATIONS: African economies remain resilient amid multiple shocks. The theme of the 2023 African Economic Outlook is Mobilizing Private Sector Financing for Climate and Green Growth in Africa. Learn more by reading the Transcript of Africa’s Regional Economic Outlook provided by the IMF. Download the African Economic Outlook 2023.

WEBINARS:

Africa Industrialization Day 2022; November 20th.

 

FORUM: “Industrialising Africa: Renewed commitment towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification.” Africa Industrialization Day 2022. Our youth should inspire the way we think and act, and they shape the society we live in. As an African youth, what kind of industrialization should be prioritized to maximize the synergies with Africa’s development agenda towards the overarching objective of achieving sustainable development and prosperity for all? In doing so, how can our African leaders best pursue the envisaged industrialization pathway? The essay contest will serve to open up dynamic conversations and spur reflection and action by leaders on addressing issues on Industrialization from the perspective of young people and push for much-needed reforms. The Youth essay contest is organized by the African Union Commission. See the terms of reference here. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #AfricaIndustrializationDay, #Industrialization, #20november, #AfricaIndustrialization, #AfricaIndustrializationWeek, #IndustrializingAfrica.

EVENTS: The Africa Industrialization Day 2022 and the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification 2022 will be held in Niamey, Niger from November 20, 2022 to November 25, 2022. The Side events will focus on key thematic areas including on Agribusiness; Regional value chains; Private sector; investments and financing for industrial development, industrial infrastructure and SEZ development, Energy access and green transition, Human capital, Industry 4.0, Trade capacity building, Health industry & local pharmaceutical production, Youth and Women Entrepreneurship, Partnerships, Industrial policy, etc. Get the Agenda and Programme!