November 20th: African Industrialization Day.
The African continent celebrates African Industrialization Day every year on November 20th, a crucial occasion for reflection on the sustainable use of its natural resources. This day was established by the United Nations in 1989 and aims to mobilize the international community to boost the industrialization of the continent.
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public about issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and celebrate and reinforce humanity's achievements. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has adopted them as a powerful advocacy tool.
Today, more than ever, it represents not just a means, but an end towards Africa's development. The celebration's primary objective is to highlight the importance of industrialization and the transformation of the continental economy, especially in light of the recently created African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This zone, which aims for a single market of 1,3 billion people, represents a unique opportunity to improve commercial and production links, exploiting the industrial competitiveness resulting from regional integration. Industrial development is critically important for sustained and inclusive economic growth in African countries.
Industry can increase productivity, expand the capabilities of the workforce and generate employment by introducing new equipment and techniques. Industrialization, with strong links to domestic economies, will help African countries achieve high growth rates, diversify their economies and reduce their exposure to external shocks.
This will contribute substantially to the eradication of poverty through employment and wealth creation.
Historic context
Industrialization is intrinsically linked to the domestic economy to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic expansion. The incorporation of new equipment and processes helps industries increase productivity, improve employee skills and create more employment opportunities. Thus, accelerating growth rates across all African nations.
In July 1989, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) held its 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. African Industrialization Day was announced on November 20th during this session.
Within the framework of the Second Decade of Industrial Development for Africa (1991-2000), the United Nations General Assembly, in December 1989, proclaimed November 20 as "African Industrialization Day" ( A/RES/44/237 ).
Since then, the United Nations System has held various events on this day around the world to raise awareness about the importance of African industrialization and the challenges facing the continent.
Local and national politicians, as well as members of national and international non-governmental groups, get involved, along with others. Leaders and officials present their plans to promote the conversation about African industrialization and analyze progress over the years.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a key organizer of these events celebrating African Industrialization Day. Additionally, UNIDO headquarters makes announcements in Vienna, Austria, to increase global recognition of the need for sustainability in industrialization.
The Theme of 2023
The theme for African Industrialization Day 2023 is “Accelerate Africa's Industrialization Through Empowering African Women in Processing for an Integrated Market".
This theme highlights the crucial role of women in driving Africa's industrial transformation. It recognizes the immense potential of women as entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders in the manufacturing and processing sectors.
By empowering women to fully participate in these sectors, Africa can unlock a wealth of talent, experience and entrepreneurial spirit, propelling the continent towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The Message of the UN Secretary-General
“Accelerating African industrialization is crucial for growth, diversifying economies, strengthening resilience, boosting employment and combating poverty.”
“However, to be successful, industrialization must be sustainable and inclusive.”
“And, as this year’s theme highlights, accelerating African industrialization depends on the ability to empower African women.”
“Increasing the number of women in manufacturing jobs is the surest way to maximize productivity and ensure that the benefits of industrial growth reach workers’ families and communities.”
“On African Industrialization Day, let us redouble our efforts to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from participating in and benefiting from industrial development and technological innovation.”
“The United Nations is strongly committed to accelerating these efforts and working together across Africa to achieve the goals of the African Union’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063.”
“Together, we can realize the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Africa for all.”
Challenges of African Industrialization
The pressing need for industrialization in Africa goes beyond the mere export of raw natural resources that often return to the continent as finished products at considerably higher prices. To combat poverty, it is crucial that Africa transforms its economic structure, creating jobs and valuing its human resources.
As part of industrialization efforts, it is imperative to address ethical issues, such as the use of child labor, gender discrimination in employment and wages, in addition to strict compliance with labor laws. These challenges are likely to become relics of the past as Africa moves forward in the process of economic diversification.
Despite vast natural resources, many African countries still face industrial underdevelopment. South Africa and Egypt stand out as the most industrialized nations, while the continent as a whole seeks to reduce dependence on imports, encouraging the industrialization of basic products.
Africa Industrialization Index (IIA)
The Africa Industrialization Index (IIA), launched in 2022 by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Program (UNIDO), reflects the commitment to promoting industrialization as a strategic priority.
This index assesses the industrial performance of 52 African countries, highlighting the need for proactive industrial policies to reverse Africa's declining share of global manufacturing.
Although Africa has demonstrated encouraging progress in industrialization, the Covid-19 pandemic and other geopolitical challenges have highlighted gaps in production systems. The continent has a unique opportunity to overcome these difficulties through greater integration, conquering its own emerging markets.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), having invested up to eight billion dollars in the last five years in its strategic priority of " Industrializing Africa ," is committed to increasing these investments, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, by 2030. Building a productive industry is seen as essential for accelerated structural transformation, the creation of formal jobs on a large scale, and inclusive growth.
Despite progress, Africa must continue to face crucial challenges to industrialization, including its declining share of the world's manufacturing industry. North Africa continues to be the most advanced African region in terms of industrial development, followed by Southern Africa, Central Africa, West Africa and East Africa.
The 2063 Agenda
AGENDA 2063, adopted in January 2015 by the Heads of States and Governments of the African Union in Addis Ababa, is Africa's master plan to transform the continent into a global power of the future.
Based on 7 aspirations and 20 priorities, it is the continent's strategic framework that aims to fulfill the objective of inclusive and sustainable development, being a concrete manifestation of the Pan-African quest for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity, promoted under the Pan -Africanism and African Renaissance.
The need to envision a long-term 50-year development trajectory for Africa is important, as the continent needs to review and adapt its development agenda due to ongoing structural transformations, ensuring inclusive growth, sustainable development, political unity and respect for democracy and human rights.
Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intertwined, as both programs aim for a more sustainable common future on a healthy planet.
African Economic Conference 2023
The 2023 African Economic Conference, jointly organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ), will be held in Addis Ababa at the UN Conference Centre in a hybrid format from 16 to 18 November 2023.
The theme of this year's conference is " imperatives for sustainable industrial development in Africa " and will provide a platform for established academics and young researchers to present solution-oriented research to policymakers.
Decade of Industrial Development for Africa
On 25 July 2016, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2016-2025 as the Third Decade of Industrial Development for Africa (DDIA III). UNIDO was tasked with leading the implementation of the Decade, in collaboration with various partners.
The vision for implementing DDIA III is to firmly anchor Africa on a path towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
Conclusion
African Industrialization Day is not just a celebration, but an opportunity to reflect on the continent's path towards sustainable development. Facing historical and contemporary challenges, Africa aims to create a future where industrialization is a driver of inclusive and economic growth.
Africa is on the right track and initiatives like the IIA provide essential tools to measure progress and identify best practices. Industrialization is not just a means of economic growth, but a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive and prosperous development.
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See also:
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
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International Democracy Day, September 15th
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Picture: © UNIDO
