The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has emphasised the need for African countries to embrace innovation and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to boost industrial growth.
According to Tally Einav, UNIDO’s representative to Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan, Seychelles, and Comoros, this technological adoption will not only accelerate industrialization but also help address critical challenges like poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Speaking at a forum ahead of the African Industrialization Week, scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from November 25 to 29, Einav highlighted the importance of local innovations and the sharing of best practices for sustaining industrial progress across the continent. She stressed that skills development, innovation, and a commitment to collaboration will play a key role in Africa’s journey towards industrialization.
Einav underscored the transformative potential of industrialization, stating that it holds the key to resolving some of the continent’s most pressing socio-economic issues. "Industrialization is vital to addressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality," she explained.
As Africa continues to pursue industrial growth, it will be crucial to ensure that this progress aligns with sustainable development goals and the broader ambitions outlined in Agenda 2063, which seeks to shape Africa’s future through economic integration, industrialization, and innovation.
This year’s Africa Industrialization Week will focus on the theme “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation.” The theme underscores the importance of AI and sustainable industrial practices in driving Africa’s industrial revolution.
By integrating AI into industrial processes, African nations can enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods, stimulate job creation, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Einav pointed out that international institutions are supporting Africa’s industrialization agenda, which includes efforts to enhance value addition, improve exports, and invigorate supply chains.
She believes that using innovative and cleaner technologies is essential to promoting climate-resilient growth, fostering inclusive development, and increasing intra-continental trade.
According to Einav, initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 are instrumental in facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening regional value chains. These efforts will play a vital role in accelerating economic growth and development in the region.
To ensure that Africa's industrialization agenda remains robust and sustainable, Einav emphasised the need for a strong indigenous manufacturing sector. Such a sector will provide resilience against disruptions in global supply chains, which are often caused by geopolitical tensions or climate-related shocks.
"Africa must diversify its industrial base," she said, suggesting that the continent should leverage its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and expanding middle class to build a more resilient and diverse industrial landscape.
In addition to encouraging innovation and manufacturing growth, Einav stressed the importance of investments in supportive infrastructure and human capital.
Skills development will be crucial to ensuring that African workers are equipped to meet the demands of an evolving industrial sector. Furthermore, she called for greater involvement from the private sector to promote innovation and foster competitiveness across Africa's industries.
The UNIDO representative concluded by reiterating that Africa’s industrial future depends on collective action and the full participation of all stakeholders. Governments, businesses, and multilateral organisations must collaborate to create an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
As the continent enters a new phase of industrialization, it is clear that harnessing the power of technology, investing in sustainable practices, and focusing on value addition will be key to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
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