Prof. Landry Signé

Political Unity should be the cornerstone of relations among African States for it would ensure confidence and co-operation. Disunity, on the other hand, while dissipating their strength, always ends in regrettable results. For this reason, We are making arrangements to grant genuine scholarships to Our African brothers and sisters to study in Our African institutions. #Africa2063Agenda 

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Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) Commission Chairperson, Ambassador Gilberto Verissimo, paid a courtesy call to ECA's Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaounde, on the sidelines of his participation in the 6th COPIL/CER-AC Council of Ministers Meeting held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from June 06 to 07, 2024 The Chairperson's visit was an opportunity for ECA-CA experts, led by Jean Luc Namegabe Mastaki, Director of the Office in Central Africa, and the ECCAS team to take stock of the economic situation in the sub-region and review the major achievements of the partnership between the two institutions, saluting a long-standing collaboration spanning the last 40 years. These exchanges also provided an opportunity to discuss future projects that will further our shared ambitions. The rich discussions resulted to critical areas of collaboration with a view to deepening economic integration in Central Africa. It was emphasized that the promotion of industry should play a central role in efforts to regionalize economies. This involves the local transformation of the resources and raw materials with which the 11 economies of the sub-region are richly endowed, the priority value chains being timber, mining, agro-industry and oil-gas. This ambition is in line with the aspirations set out in the Douala Consensus, which the entire subregion adopted in September 2017. "Central Africa has made commitment for economic diversification, and for us, as for all the endorsers including ECCAS, the Douala Consensus remains the roadmap. Together with ECCAS, we advocate that the transformation of raw materials through regional value chains will crystallize our integration efforts, because without local manufactured products, there can be no real intra-regional trade", said Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office. To facilitate and accelerate the set up of industries, ECA has developed tools, the most important of which is the New Generation Special Economic Zone (NGSEZ). A model for domesticating added value, promoting local content and upgrading technical and industrial skills. ECA hopes to extend the maturing model between the DRC and Zambia to establish sufficient cross-border SEZs to attract more investments. Cameroon, Chad and Congo are well in the maturation of national scale SEZs. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKBcxEZX

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Regional Integration in Africa Faces Challenges but Offers Promising Prospects Africa's main regional economic communities (#RECs) include #SADC, #ECOWAS, #EAC, #ECCAS, #IGAD, #CEN–SAD #COMESA and #UMA. However, regional integration faces several challenges: 1. Conflict and instability in regions like the Horn of Africa and the Sahel. 2. Cross-border trade disputes, as seen between the DRC and Zambia. 3. Economic disparities among countries. 4. Infrastructure gaps. 5. Overlapping REC memberships. 6. Weak regional institutions and lack of political will. 7. Nationalist tendencies of some leaders. Despite these challenges, there are promising prospects for integration: 1. #Agenda2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (#AfCFTA). 2. The Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. 3. Infrastructure development initiatives like #PIDA. 4. Improved political will among leaders. 5. Efforts to leverage natural resources. 6. Technological advancements. The RECs face significant challenges such as conflicts, trade disputes, economic disparities, infrastructure gaps, and nationalist tendencies of some leaders. Despite these obstacles, there are promising prospects for strengthening integration in Africa. A central development is the African Union's Agenda 2063 framework, which outlines a bold vision for a more prosperous and integrated continent. A cornerstone of Agenda 2063 is the African Continental Free Trade Area (#AfCFTA). The framework also emphasizes enhancing infrastructure, facilitating free movement, and leveraging natural resources. There are signs of growing political will and technological advancements aiding regional integration efforts. However, the recent decision by some Sahel countries to form a new confederation outside of #ECOWAS highlights the ongoing challenges. Addressing instability and strengthening regional institutions will be crucial for realizing the ambitions of Agenda 2063. #Agenda2063 #REC #ECOWAS #IGAD #ECA #ECCAS #COMESA #MUA #SADC #AFCFTA #AU #PIDA #CEN–SAD

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#TheFutureisAfrica: #Entrepreneurship Africa’s Dynamic Engine for Innovation and Job Creation Africa’s entrepreneurship landscape is one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing in the world, driven by a youthful population eager to solve challenges and seize opportunities. With a median age of just 19.7 years, the continent’s young demographic is increasingly engaged in business ventures, leveraging technology and creativity to launch startups that address local and global issues. This dynamic culture of entrepreneurship not only catalyses economic growth but also plays a vital role in job creation, positioning Africa as a hub for innovation and economic transformation. As these entrepreneurs continue to drive change, they are shaping a future where Africa stands as a global leader in business and technology. Read the article:

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A good exchange on Haiti in a webinar I participated in with Brookings last week. I am usually the Ted Lasso of Haiti, and remain optimistic, or at least in the place of reminding that there is still much to work with there and it is worth the modest cost. But when asked, I need to be honest as I mention at the 56 minute mark in a wrap up -- unlike Ed Harris in Apollo 13, failure is very much an option if the commitment is simply not there or not sustained, and failure in this case sees Haiti go from a fragile to a failed state, a universe of difference. We would do well to step up the game while we can. And the optimal solution would be a long term (if still modestly scaled) commitment along the lines of South Korea. How about we start with a small coast guard base on one of the claws or in the north? Nothing creates more of a spirit of long term commitment and cooperation than a military base. https://lnkd.in/efez3CY3

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𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 are convening from tomorrow 11- 13 June 2024 for the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT to deliberate among others, the African Digital Compact & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲. The AI Strategy is a important continental convergence that will influence Africa’s contribution to the Global Digital Compact Awhile back I shared a brief about the draft conceptual framework on AI that articulates the continental position to centre Africa as a global leader in the development and adoption of human-centric and development-oriented Artificial Intelligence for inclusive economic growth and social prosperity. The framework lays the foundation to address 3 key things. 𝐎𝐧𝐞: The technological, ethical, economic, security and social perspectives of AI. 𝐓𝐰𝐨: Aspects related to responsible, safe and beneficial use of AI. 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞: Establishing the context and defining Guiding Principles, and Strategic Objectives of the Continental AI Strategy. Here’s the brief - https://lnkd.in/dGfEqs9P

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Today, I had the privilege of attending the FOCAC Summit with our African First Ladies participation, focusing on women's education and empowerment. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit highlighted the critical role of women's education in sustainable development, economic growth, and community progress. Empowering women through education is fundamental for fostering future female leaders and advancing societal well-being. Key discussions at the summit emphasized: - Empowerment through Education: Providing women with quality education enhances their socio-economic status and enables them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. - Economic Development: Educated women's participation in the workforce leads to increased household incomes, economic stability, and poverty reduction. - Health and Well-being: Education correlates with better health outcomes, informed family planning decisions, and healthier children, benefiting the overall community health. - Leadership and Participation: Promoting women's education encourages their involvement in leadership and decision-making roles, fostering gender equality and inclusive governance. - Cultural and Social Challenges: Addressing cultural barriers and societal norms is essential to promote women's education, engage communities, and shift mindsets towards valuing girls' education. As a young professional, I find it incredibly enriching to participate in discussions centered around women's empowerment and activism. The exchange of experiences and perspectives among like-minded individuals serves as a source of inspiration and valuable insights. Empowering one another is not just a goal, I believe it’s a collective journey that we can embark on together. By sharing our stories, knowledge, and resources, we can create a nurturing environment that encourages women to step into their potential as future leaders. And for that to happen, we must start by being the change we want to see in the world. #FOCACSummit #WomensEmpowerment #LeadershipDevelopment

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This is a very interesting piece by Prof Benedict Oramah, President of Afrexim Bank, reflecting on Africa’s development trajectory and capital intensive (usually borrowed) growth vs. labour based growth models. And on the opportunities of the single market of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): “In many instances, we in Africa have sought expensive foreign capital in order to ultimately fund development, as opposed to leveraging our vast reserves of labour to generate capital, with which to save and construct industries much higher on the value chain ladder.” And further: “By capitalising on the extraordinary integrating opportunity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and establishing regional value chains through which we can attract valuable industries and lower our dependence on imports, Africa can generate its own capital and deploy this in the way it sees best, not the manner prescribed by others.”

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Advancing Africa's Future: Strategic Investments & Global Partnerships Can #EndPoverty by 2030! Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the 1st Economic Development Assembly: Advancing Africa’s Future (EDA) in Abidjan hosted by Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates, in partnership with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. 👊🏿With the African continent on the cusp of a demographic boom, we need continued simultaneous investments in #HumanCapitalDevelopment, infrastructure, social security and more to build a strong prosperous future for Africa & the world! 🔃With cross-cutting groups and thought-provoking panels across public and private sectors, the Economic Development Assembly is streamlining global efforts to meet the Global Goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030. 🫱🏿‍🫲🏾A strong coalition of 100+ heads of state, African leaders from business and civil society, philanthropists, and cultural luminaries, the Assembly strongly advocated as one voice to call on the G20 to boost contributions to $120 billion by December 2024 to The World Bank Group’s International Development Association [IDA] and signed the Abidjan Accord. 🪆This investment into the World Bank Group’s global solidarity fund can empower 2 billion people by investing in healthcare, infrastructure, and boosting food systems resilience and nutrition to enable Africa’s potential for sustainable development & long-term economic growth. 📝Learn more on the Abidjan Accord here: https://lnkd.in/eysVSDZy #IDAWorks Présidence de la République de Côte d’Ivoire The World Bank Group The World Bank IFC - International Finance Corporation Ousmane Diagana Sergio Pimenta Harith General Partners Citi Ama Tanoh Enoh Ndri Christelle Chapoy Edith Jibunoh Meriem Gray, Pabsy Pabalan Mariano MIGA

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Next stop Cotonou, Benin.... We gather this week for the Mid Term Review #MTR of the #AfricanDevelopmentFund #ADF-16, the #AfricanDevelopmentBank #AfDB's concessional finance window. As the #ADF continues to make an impact and difference to the lives of millions in Africa's 37 low income countries, it's time to take stock of the progress under the current cycle (2023-2025). The donors and beneficiaries will gather along with Bank management to discuss the progress made so far, as well as discuss the future of the #ADF - how it can continue to make further impact by innovating itself to the needs of its beneficiaries and at the same time being cognisant of restrained global financial landscape.

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🚨🚨Ahead of the 3rd Research Conference on Forced Displacement, organized in collaboration with the African School of Economics and the World Bank on 19-21 September 2024, in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), the UNHCR-World Bank Joint Data Center has issued a Call for Papers focused on: · Socioeconomic analysis of forcibly displaced populations – particularly internally displaced people (IDP) and stateless people · Socioeconomic analysis of forced displacement in sub-Saharan Africa · Innovations in data-related forced displacement research (e.g., sampling, data collection) · Operational and policy impact of data and evidence in displacement settings · Pan-African solutions for re-integration and inclusion of forcibly displaced communities. To be considered for inclusion in the program, completed papers or exte https://lnkd.in/ewCVBPMh

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In addition to published studies in academic journals, our ICRG data appear consistently in a range of (text)books, dealing with such diverse topics as the connection between civil war and financial development; gender and corruption; monetary geography in Africa; financial openness and China’s growth experience; and much more… When time permits, have a look at some of the titles: (https://lnkd.in/epJk5QzB) Our data drives. The PRS Group: Challenging Borders, Challenging Risk www.PRSGroup.com www.christophermckee.net #geopolitics #geopoliticalrisk #emergingmarkets #investmentrisk #china #fed #ratecut #africa #corruption #gender #finance #GDP #growth

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The 2024 Africa Sustainable Development Report is out! I had the honour of working with colleagues from AU, ECA and AfDB on this critical analysis of Africa’s progress on 5 key Global Goals: SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 13, SDG 16, SDG 17. Some African countries have made great strides in fighting corruption, developing social security safety nets, preventing sexual and gender-based violence against women. But challenges remain & to support African governments getting back on track towards Agenda 2030 & Agenda 2063, we need to step up & facilitate: 🔸 concessionary development financing 🔸 enhanced partnerships 🔸 strengthened disaster risk prevention 🔸support anti-corruption efforts 🔸 promote critical economic reforms

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Abidjan declaration .... Last week, hundreds gathered in Abidjan for the first Economic Development Assembly, presented by Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates. During this two-day event, CEOs, world leaders, and artists united to sign the Abidjan Accord, a powerful declaration urging G20 governments to commit $120 billion to the World Bank’s IDA—essential for uplifting the 77 countries battling poverty. The assembly highlighted the importance of collaboration among the private, public, and civil sectors to address Africa's challenges and unlock its vast potential. Investing in Africa is not just about capital; it’s about recognizing the continent's abundant resources and exceptional talent. Here’s a recap of what has been achieved: Abidjan Accord Signed: A call for G20 nations to urgently support IDA21. Health Investment: Côte d’Ivoire’s $9.9 million co-financing to Gavi for vaccine delivery. Solar Energy Initiatives: Partnerships to develop utility-scale solar projects. Creative Economy Research: Collaborations to drive investments in Africa’s creative sectors. Economic Growth Insights: New research highlights Africa's potential as a global economic driver. TO read more about the Abidjan Accord and  the outcomes here : https://lnkd.in/eAU-HMj7 . .

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Check out N Gage Consulting’s MEA insights series. Starting this week with Rwanda 🇷🇼 This marks the beginning of a series of insights that will be posted on a regular basis to promote business and trade in the region. Keep following us for more MEA information and insights ⬇️ #trade #business #Middleeast #Africa #consulting #rwanda

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Yesterday the Economic Report on Africa 2024 on Just and Sustainable Transition in Africa has been launched at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa The Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2024 presents the case for investing in a just and sustainable transition (JST) while achieving energy access for all. The report aims to: - Contextualize and conceptualize the imperative for JSTs for Africa to achieve its economic, social, and environmental priorities. - Highlight opportunities and assessing the state of JSTs in Africa in terms of the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. - Evaluate the opportunities for financing the JSTs in Africa based on country case studies. - Recommend policies and frameworks for Africa to success fully undertake theJSTs. Proud to contribute to deliver this important knowledge product. Congrats to @Lee Everts for her great coordination and all colleagues. Downloadable here 👉https://lnkd.in/d2s89ggH

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Smart African cities: It's about people, not just tech! It's about making African cities more livable & efficient. #UM6P #AfricaSmartCityForum UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

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