PAST SESSIONS · ECONOMY STRAND
Five years of African economic policy, mapped out.
Since December 2020, this strand has brought together trade ministries, the AfCFTA Secretariat, OECD and African Union economists to work through the policy choices behind a more self-reliant, interconnected African economy — from digital transformation to industrialisation to regional value chains. Every session below is searchable, dated, and linked to its full agenda.
Past Webinars
2020
3 sessions
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:05
- Countries perspective: African cooperation & trade zones, self -reliant industries, disparities & equalities 12:05 – 13:00
- Trade zones in Africa & partnership opportunities 13:00 – 13:20
African Union
- Strengthening African economies and working on its self reliance 13:20-14:30
– Africa core industries & opportunities for growth
– Pharmaceutical & health independence
– Food independence
– Energy mix & diversification
– Addressing economic disparities - Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:30 – 15:30
- Consclusion 15:30
2021
9 sessions
- Welcoming speech from the organisers12:00 – 12:05
- Presentation of the Filaha Innove Reflection Group12:05 – 12:10
Dr. Amine Bensemmane, President of GRFI Filaha Innove (Algeria). GRFI objectives in view of the AfCFTA opportunities and for the strengthening of trade with African countries
- Food self-sufficiency, POST COVID 19 and regional integration12:10 – 12:20
Idir Bais, Agro Economist, FAO, UNIDO and AfDB Consultant, Member of the Filaha Innove Reflection Group
- Point of situation of the countries attending: African cooperation and trade zones, value chains 12:20-13:15
- Ensuring African security through the AfCFTA 13:15 – 14:00
-Role and Opportunity of agriculture and agribusiness within the ZLECAF
– Value chains and transformation of agricultural products and agro-industry in Africa
Jacques Berthelot, agricultural economist
– Modernization and digitalization of processes and systems serving African agriculture
Francesco Napolitano, Economist – Africa, Europe & Middle-East, OECD Development Centre - Discussion between participants from different delegations – how to strengthen economies within the AfCFTA? 14:00 – 14:30
- Conslusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:05
- Countries perspective: digital framework, industries transformed, incentives, digital infrastructure, digital public platforms, digital financial services, digital businesses, and digital skills 12:05 – 13:20
- Benefiting from Africa Digital transformation 13:20 – 14:30
- – Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa
Jean-Paul ADAM Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division, UNECA
- – Building the digitalisation, Legal Framework, platforms & infrastructures
Andrew Rugege, Regional Director for Africa,ITU
- – Digitalization as a tool for economies growth & development
Thang Nguyen-Quoc, Economist, Africa unit, OECD Development Centre
- – Case Study/Experience
John Omo, Secretary General, African telecommunication Union
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:30 – 15:30
- Conclusion 15:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:15
- Countries perspective: landscape, incentives, trainings 12:15 – 13:30
- Africa Start up Landscape & the Key Factor of success to their emergence 13:30 – 13:45
Bakary Traoré, Economist, Africa Unit, OECD Research Center
- Africa’s startup & access to innovation 13:45 – 14:00
Mohamed Ba, Digital Innovation Head , ITU
- African startups in the AfCFTA integration & interafrican exchanges 14:00 – 14:15
Titi Akinsanmi, digital economy expert
- Case Study : Africa by Incubeme 14:15 – 14:20
Kamel OUMNIA, Co-founder IncubeMe
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:20- 15:00
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:05
- Countries perspective: : on going African projects, investment ecosystem, financing framework, project financing 12:05 – 13:00
- African Projects within the AfCTA 13:00 – 13:15
Pomy Ketema, Counselor, Baker McKenzie LLP
- Project Financing 13:15 – 13:30
Gyude Moore, Senior Policy Fellow, CGDEV
- Infrastructure project for African integration 13:30 – 13:45
Oliver Harmann, Cities Economist, Cities that Work
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:05
- Countries perspective: African agricultural landscape, import & Export, transformation, interafrican exchanges 12:05 – 13:00
- Implementation of vibrant regional value chain 13:00 – 13:30
IHEDIOHA Onyema Damian, PhD, Manager, Agribusiness Development Division (AHAI.1), Agriculture and Agro Industry Department, African Development Bank
- African agricultural complementarities 13:30 – 13:45
Omri Van Zyl, CEO, Agri SA Entreprises
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:05
- Countries perspective 12:05 – 13:00
- African Policy Environment & Energy Mix 13:00 – 13:15
Jean Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division, UNECA
- African Electrification & Infrastructure 13:15 – 13:30
Elisa Saint Martin, Policy Analyst for the Africa, Europe and Middle East Unit , OECD Research Center
- Partnership for Energy in Africa 13:30 – 13:45
Dr. Moustapha Mekideche, Former Chairman of the African Country Review Mechanism (APRM) Panel, international expert in the field of energy
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:05
- Countries perspective: education systems, youth employment integration & diplomas 12:05 – 13:00
- Overview of access to education and education systems in Africa 13:00 – 13:15
Biniam Bedasso, Senior Research Associate, Education, Center for Global Development
- School Resources and Learning Environment in Africa – Digitalisation an opportunity? 13:15 – 13:45
Sampson Kofi Adotey, Manager, Alumni Engagement and Research Reporting – Global Network
- Education as a pillar for the countries and regional economies – partnership opportunities? 13:45 – 14:00
Adrian Gauci, Economics Affairs Officer with the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy, UNECA
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 – 13:15
- Increasing threat for Africa & The impact of climate change in Africa 13:15 – 13:30
Victor Ongoma, Ph.D, International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
- What choice African have and role can it play in the fight against climate change? 13:30 – 13:45
Caroline Kende Robb, Senior Adviser, African Center for Economic Transformation
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 – 13:15
- Sanitizing the financing ecosystem : De-risking investment to engage the private sector 13:15 – 13:30
Jean Claude Tchatchouang, Senior Advisor, World Bank
- Contracts & certification as warranty tools : risk mitigation and structured finance 13:30 – 13:45
Chrisian Kigombe, Managing Partner and Lead in Connector & Enabler, 4IP Group
- How to scale up the successful development and finance of Africa’s regional and national infrastructure projects? 13:45 – 14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 – 13:15
- Overview of Africa’s integration into GVCs 13:15 – 13:30
Arthur Minsat OECD Research Center
- Tackling Africa’s competitiveness & opportunities for its industrialisation in regional value chains and openness 13:30 – 13:45
John Stuart, tralac associate and expert on value chains
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
2022
10 sessions
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 – 13:15
- Basic infrastructure for the development of Africa & trade : Inclusive and sustainable industrialization in the AfCFTA era 13:15 – 13:30
– Poorva Karkare, Expert on industrialisation & regional integration, ECDPM
- Building capacities for African economies diversification 13:30 – 13:45
– Chema Triki, Industrialisation Lead, Tony Blair Institute
- The African Union Commission & the continent industrialisation in the era of the AfCFTA 13:45 – 14:00
– Ron Osman Omar, Senior Policy Officer, Industry, Innovation and Mining Division, Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining Department African Union Commission
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries12:10 – 13:15
- Climate finance : Leveraging climate-friendly investments & creating the right ecosystem 13:15 – 13:30
– Anna Lehmann, Global Climate Policy Director · Wildlife Works Carbon
- Policies to boost climate change integration, adaptation & technology transfer 13:30 – 13:45
– Jean Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division, UNECA
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 – 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 – 13:15
- Lessons & best practices from the South East Asian development model 13:15 – 13:30
– Mussie Delelegn Arega (PhD), Senior Economic Affairs Officer and Chief of Landlocked Developing Countries’ (LLDCs) Section, Division for Africa, LDCs and Special Programmes, UNCTAD
- Building the right development model & policies for Africa : what to take from the Asian model and adapt to the African realities? 13:30 – 13:45
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 – 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
- Vaccine research and manufacturing capabilities — Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Africa CDC
- Policies to push local vaccination programs — Dr. Yahia Chebloune, INRA
- Role of the African Medicines Agency — Hilina Wassihun, African Union Commission
- Harmonizing regulatory programs — Janet Byaruhanga, NEPAD
- Market access for African drugs — Jean Baptiste Niekiema, WHO Afro
- Auditing African healthcare systems — Dr. Ahmed Safwat, international consultant
- Balancing quality healthcare and access — Dr. Karl Fai, global health management
- Building the right ecosystem — Chiraz Bensemmane, founder, Pitch World Fast
- Boosting production and quality on the continent — Alastair West, UNIDO
- Regional and continental harmonization — African Union Commission, NEPAD
- Rethinking economic models for healthcare budgets — Pr. Drago, Pr. Megerlin, World Bank
- Public vs. private sector roles — Thokozile Ruzvidzo, UNECA
- Local and international investment incentives — World Bank, UNIDO, AfDB
- Overview of Africa’s health sector — African Center for Economic Transformation
- Cross-country health projects under AfCFTA — AfCFTA Secretariat, AfDB
- Overview of launched African healthcare initiatives — African Union Commission
2023
11 sessions
- Lessons from Covid-19 and Ebola — Merawi Aragaw, Africa CDC
- Community engagement for continuity of health programs — Doris Kirigia, WHO Afro
- Overview of PPPs on the continent — Dr. Babatunde Omilola, African Development Bank
- Best practices and framework for PPPs — John Settumba, Uganda Management Institute
- The AMRH initiative and centres of excellence — AUDA-NEPAD
- Operationalising pharma manufacturing hubs — Karim Karaki, ECDPM
- RECs as a catalyst for regional cooperation — Dr. Ibrahim Issa Sidi, OCEAC
- Overview of the PMPA — Chimwemwe Chamdimba, AUDA-NEPAD
- Framework for industrialisation in healthcare — Maureen Mackintosh, The Open University
- Health spending and program impact — David Bishai, University of Hong Kong
- Planning and performance monitoring practices — WHO Regional Office for Africa
- Analysing health costs and budgets — Pr. David Epstein, University of Granada
- Economic models for health outcomes — Pr. Filipo Drago, University of Catania
- Africa’s road to Universal Health Coverage — session overview
- Framework and KPIs for access to health — Julius Mugwagwa, UCL Global Governance Institute
- Africa’s research ecosystems and networks — Chiraz Bensemmane, CEO, Pitch World Fast
- Bridging academia, research and industry — Dr. Thomas Nyirenda, EDCTP
- Health in Africa’s regional economic communities — Prof. Nicola Yeates, The Open University
- RECs as instruments for UHC across borders — UNECA, Susan Babirye, Makerere University
- Adapting pharmacoeconomics to reach UHC — Jacqui Miot, University of the Witwatersrand
- Value-based, patient-centred systems — Pr. Francis Megerlin, University of Strasbourg
- Overview of disease burden in Africa — Africa CDC
- Global surveillance standards for epidemics — WHO Afro
2024
8 sessions
- The pillars of cost effectiveness — Dr. Ricardo Calderón, physician executive and global health expert
- Digital innovations for infectious diseases and NCDs
- Emerging trends in point-of-care diagnostics
- Impact of diagnostics in rural Africa and cost
- Foundations of AI in public health — Michael Zimba, Malawi Institute of Technology
- Building data literacy for African health systems
- Telemedicine’s journey and future prospects — Izhar Mahdjoub, digital health consultant
- Impacting health monitoring in communities — Dr. Adam Selamnia, NIUM
- Advances in clinical research for African populations
- Regulatory frameworks for personalised medicine
- Current landscape of medical device manufacturing
- Investment and capacity building for local ventures
- Applying OneHealth to AMR across diverse environments
- Cross-sector partnerships and global policy frameworks
- Community health workers as first responders
- Civil society’s role in public engagement and advocacy
2020
3 sessions
- Access to universal healthcare — Dr Juliet Nabyonga, WHO Africa
- Cost of care and cost of health — David Epstein, University of Granada
- Ensuring quality of care over the long term — Dr. Ossama Salamah, Human Health Education and Research Foundation
- Implementing an eHealth strategy and action plan — Dr. Ahmed Safwat, international consultant
- Role and tools of eHealth — Izhar Mahjoub, eHealth consultant
2021
9 sessions
- Coronavirus vs. communicable diseases: avoiding setbacks — Dr. Yahia Chebloune, Laboratoire Pathogénèse et Vaccination Lentivirales
- Infrastructure and value chain — Dr. Margaret Agama-Anyetei, African Union
- Accessibility and cooperation — Alastair West, UNIDO
- Homologation and regulation — Stanislav Kniazkiov, WHO Afro
- Quality, safety and traceability — June Madete, Kenyatta University
- Healthcare standards: the essential steps — Dr. Ahmed Safwat, international expert
- Educating and involving the patient — Dr. Adelard Kakune, Africa CDC
- Balancing innovation, price and treatment — Lucia Gozzo & David Epstein, University of Granada
- Infrastructure and research projects overview — Dr. Margaret Agama-Anyetei, African Union Commission
- Building human capacities on the continent — Dr. Yukari Manabe, Johns Hopkins University
- Building a research and partnership network — Jean Marie Vianney Habarugira, EDCTP
- Driving R&D on the continent — Catherine M. Jones, London School of Economics
- Production capacity — Dr. Sheila Tamara Shawa, African Union Commission
- Capitalising on the African Medicines Agency — Alastair West, UNIDO
- Handling counterfeit and black-market products — Nora Ho Tu Nam, IPvocate Africa
- Pharmaconomics and industry partnership contracts — Pr. Filipo Drago, University of Catania
- HTA as a decision tool — Dr. Dominic Nkhoma, HEPU
2022
10 sessions
- Lessons from Covid-19 — Dr. Benjamin Djoudalbaye, Africa CDC
- Preparing for future shocks and climate change — Pr. Harvey Rubin, University of Pennsylvania
- Health equity in the new realities — Dr. Janet Michel, Global Health Mentorships
- The role of diagnostics and monitoring — Dr. Paolo Lauriola, RIMSA
- Improving diagnostic services — Nqobile Ndlovu, ASLM
- Lessons from global research hubs — EARTO, OECD, Harvard School of Medicine
- Digital health ecosystems — Pr. Karl Stroetmann, University of Victoria
- Framework for sustainable health systems — Björn Gerlach, PAASP
- Vaccine research and manufacturing capabilities — Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Africa CDC
- Policies to push local vaccination programs — Dr. Yahia Chebloune, INRA
- Role of the African Medicines Agency — Hilina Wassihun, African Union Commission
- Harmonizing regulatory programs — Janet Byaruhanga, NEPAD
- Market access for African drugs — Jean Baptiste Niekiema, WHO Afro
- Auditing African healthcare systems — Dr. Ahmed Safwat, international consultant
- Balancing quality healthcare and access — Dr. Karl Fai, global health management
- Building the right ecosystem — Chiraz Bensemmane, founder, Pitch World Fast
- Boosting production and quality on the continent — Alastair West, UNIDO
- Regional and continental harmonization — African Union Commission, NEPAD
- Rethinking economic models for healthcare budgets — Pr. Drago, Pr. Megerlin, World Bank
- Public vs. private sector roles — Thokozile Ruzvidzo, UNECA
- Local and international investment incentives — World Bank, UNIDO, AfDB
- Overview of Africa’s health sector — African Center for Economic Transformation
- Cross-country health projects under AfCFTA — AfCFTA Secretariat, AfDB
- Overview of launched African healthcare initiatives — African Union Commission
2023
11 sessions
- Lessons from Covid-19 and Ebola — Merawi Aragaw, Africa CDC
- Community engagement for continuity of health programs — Doris Kirigia, WHO Afro
- Overview of PPPs on the continent — Dr. Babatunde Omilola, African Development Bank
- Best practices and framework for PPPs — John Settumba, Uganda Management Institute
- The AMRH initiative and centres of excellence — AUDA-NEPAD
- Operationalising pharma manufacturing hubs — Karim Karaki, ECDPM
- RECs as a catalyst for regional cooperation — Dr. Ibrahim Issa Sidi, OCEAC
- Overview of the PMPA — Chimwemwe Chamdimba, AUDA-NEPAD
- Framework for industrialisation in healthcare — Maureen Mackintosh, The Open University
- Health spending and program impact — David Bishai, University of Hong Kong
- Planning and performance monitoring practices — WHO Regional Office for Africa
- Analysing health costs and budgets — Pr. David Epstein, University of Granada
- Economic models for health outcomes — Pr. Filipo Drago, University of Catania
- Africa’s road to Universal Health Coverage — session overview
- Framework and KPIs for access to health — Julius Mugwagwa, UCL Global Governance Institute
- Africa’s research ecosystems and networks — Chiraz Bensemmane, CEO, Pitch World Fast
- Bridging academia, research and industry — Dr. Thomas Nyirenda, EDCTP
- Health in Africa’s regional economic communities — Prof. Nicola Yeates, The Open University
- RECs as instruments for UHC across borders — UNECA, Susan Babirye, Makerere University
- Adapting pharmacoeconomics to reach UHC — Jacqui Miot, University of the Witwatersrand
- Value-based, patient-centred systems — Pr. Francis Megerlin, University of Strasbourg
- Overview of disease burden in Africa — Africa CDC
- Global surveillance standards for epidemics — WHO Afro
2024
8 sessions
- The pillars of cost effectiveness — Dr. Ricardo Calderón, physician executive and global health expert
- Digital innovations for infectious diseases and NCDs
- Emerging trends in point-of-care diagnostics
- Impact of diagnostics in rural Africa and cost
- Foundations of AI in public health — Michael Zimba, Malawi Institute of Technology
- Building data literacy for African health systems
- Telemedicine’s journey and future prospects — Izhar Mahdjoub, digital health consultant
- Impacting health monitoring in communities — Dr. Adam Selamnia, NIUM
- Advances in clinical research for African populations
- Regulatory frameworks for personalised medicine
- Current landscape of medical device manufacturing
- Investment and capacity building for local ventures
- Applying OneHealth to AMR across diverse environments
- Cross-sector partnerships and global policy frameworks
- Community health workers as first responders
- Civil society’s role in public engagement and advocacy
Countries in the room
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Botswana
Cameroon
Djibouti
Egypt
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Namibia
Togo
Tunisia
Senegal
Mauritius
Rwanda
Past speakers
Recurring voices from the OECD, UNECA, AfCFTA and partner institutions across the five-year run.
Francesco Napolitano
Economist, Africa, Europe & Middle East,
Jacques Berthelot
Agricultural economist
Dr. Martin Fregene
Director, Agriculture & Agro Industry, African
Idir Bais
Agro Economist, FAO, UNIDO & AfDB
Dr. Amine Bensemmane
President, GRFI Filaha Innove, Algeria
Dr. Adam M. SELAMNIA (Ph.D. / MBA)
Former Chairman of the African Country
Pr. Ukertor Gabriel Moti
Professor of Public Sector Management, University
Alassane Ba
Expert in Pharmaceutical Quality System and
Saurabh Sinha
Gender, Poverty & Social Policy Division,
Mailu Mwau
Founder, Sultan Green Farms and Technologies
Past Webinars Programmes
Wednesday, December 9th 2020, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Strengthening The African Economies & Cooperation
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Countries perspective: African cooperation & trade zones, self -reliant industries, disparities & equalities 12:05 - 13:00
- Trade zones in Africa & partnership opportunities 13:00 - 13:20
African Union
- Strengthening African economies and working on its self reliance 13:20-14:30
- Africa core industries & opportunities for growth
- Pharmaceutical & health independence
- Food independence
- Energy mix & diversification
- Addressing economic disparities - Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:30 - 15:30
- Consclusion 15:30
Wednesday, January 27th 2021,12 pm – 3.30pm GMT
Topic : The AfCFTA & the intra-African trade in agricultural and agri food products
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Presentation of the Filaha Innove Reflection Group 12:05 - 12:10
Dr. Amine Bensemmane, President of GRFI Filaha Innove (Algeria). GRFI objectives in view of the AfCFTA opportunities and for the strengthening of trade with African countries
- Food self-sufficiency, POST COVID 19 and regional integration 12:10 - 12:20
Idir Bais, Agro Economist, FAO, UNIDO and AfDB Consultant, Member of the Filaha Innove Reflection Group
- Point of situation of the countries attending: African cooperation and trade zones, value chains 12:20-13:15
- Ensuring African security through the AfCFTA 13:15 - 14:00
-Role and Opportunity of agriculture and agribusiness within the ZLECAF
- Value chains and transformation of agricultural products and agro-industry in Africa
Jacques Berthelot, agricultural economist
- Modernization and digitalization of processes and systems serving African agriculture
Francesco Napolitano, Economist – Africa, Europe & Middle-East, OECD Development Centre - Discussion between participants from different delegations - how to strengthen economies within the AfCFTA? 14:00 - 14:30
- Conslusion 14:30
Wednesday, February 24th 2021, 12pm – 3:30pm GMT
Topic : Africa Digital Transformation
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Countries perspective: digital framework, industries transformed, incentives, digital infrastructure, digital public platforms, digital financial services, digital businesses, and digital skills 12:05 - 13:20
- Benefiting from Africa Digital transformation 13:20 - 14:30
- - Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa
Jean-Paul ADAM Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division, UNECA
- - Building the digitalisation, Legal Framework, platforms & infrastructures
Andrew Rugege, Regional Director for Africa,ITU
- - Digitalization as a tool for economies growth & development
Thang Nguyen-Quoc, Economist, Africa unit, OECD Development Centre
- - Case Study/Experience
John Omo, Secretary General, African telecommunication Union
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:30 - 15:30
- Conclusion 15:30
Wednesday, March 24th 2021, 12pm – 2:30pm GMT
Topic : The role of start ups in the economy and continental competition
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:15
- Countries perspective: landscape, incentives, trainings 12:15 - 13:30
- Africa Start up Landscape & the Key Factor of success to their emergence 13:30 - 13:45
Bakary Traoré, Economist, Africa Unit, OECD Research Center
- Africa’s startup & access to innovation 13:45 - 14:00
Mohamed Ba, Digital Innovation Head , ITU
- African startups in the AfCFTA integration & interafrican exchanges 14:00 - 14:15
Titi Akinsanmi, digital economy expert
- Case Study : Africa by Incubeme 14:15 - 14:20
Kamel OUMNIA, Co-founder IncubeMe
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:20- 15:00
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, April 21st 2021, 12pm – 2:30pm GMT
Topic : Implementing African projects
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Countries perspective: : on going African projects, investment ecosystem, financing framework, project financing 12:05 - 13:00
- African Projects within the AfCTA 13:00 - 13:15
Pomy Ketema, Counselor, Baker McKenzie LLP
- Project Financing 13:15 - 13:30
Gyude Moore, Senior Policy Fellow, CGDEV
- Infrastructure project for African integration 13:30 - 13:45
Oliver Harmann, Cities Economist, Cities that Work
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, May 26th 2021, 12pm – 2:30pm GMT
Topic : Agricultural transformation & collaboration in Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Countries perspective: African agricultural landscape, import & Export, transformation, interafrican exchanges 12:05 - 13:00
- Implementation of vibrant regional value chain 13:00 - 13:30
IHEDIOHA Onyema Damian, PhD, Manager, Agribusiness Development Division (AHAI.1), Agriculture and Agro Industry Department, African Development Bank
- African agricultural complementarities 13:30 - 13:45
Omri Van Zyl, CEO, Agri SA Entreprises
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, June 23rd 2021, 12pm – 2:30pm GMT
Topic : African Energy Strategies
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Countries perspective 12:05 - 13:00
- African Policy Environment & Energy Mix 13:00 - 13:15
Jean Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division, UNECA
- African Electrification & Infrastructure 13:15 - 13:30
Elisa Saint Martin, Policy Analyst for the Africa, Europe and Middle East Unit , OECD Research Center
- Partnership for Energy in Africa 13:30 - 13:45
Dr. Moustapha Mekideche, Former Chairman of the African Country Review Mechanism (APRM) Panel, international expert in the field of energy
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, July 14th 2021, 12pm – 2:30pm GMT
Topic : Education as a pillar for the growth & success of Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:05
- Countries perspective: education systems, youth employment integration & diplomas 12:05 - 13:00
- Overview of access to education and education systems in Africa 13:00 - 13:15
Biniam Bedasso, Senior Research Associate, Education, Center for Global Development
- School Resources and Learning Environment in Africa – Digitalisation an opportunity? 13:15 - 13:45
Sampson Kofi Adotey, Manager, Alumni Engagement and Research Reporting - Global Network
- Education as a pillar for the countries and regional economies – partnership opportunities? 13:45 - 14:00
Adrian Gauci, Economics Affairs Officer with the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy, UNECA
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, September 29th 2021, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Climate Change & Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Increasing threat for Africa & The impact of climate change in Africa 13:15 - 13:30
Victor Ongoma, Ph.D, International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
- What choice African have and role can it play in the fight against climate change? 13:30 - 13:45
Caroline Kende Robb, Senior Adviser, African Center for Economic Transformation
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, November 2nd 2021, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Financing & Derisking Investment
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Sanitizing the financing ecosystem : De-risking investment to engage the private sector 13:15 - 13:30
Jean Claude Tchatchouang, Senior Advisor, World Bank
- Contracts & certification as warranty tools : risk mitigation and structured finance 13:30 - 13:45
Chrisian Kigombe, Managing Partner and Lead in Connector & Enabler, 4IP Group
- How to scale up the successful development and finance of Africa’s regional and national infrastructure projects? 13:45 - 14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, November 24th 2021, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Building the right value chain in Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of Africa’s integration into GVCs 13:15 - 13:30
Arthur Minsat OECD Research Center
- Tackling Africa’s competitiveness & opportunities for its industrialisation in regional value chains and openness 13:30 - 13:45
John Stuart, tralac associate and expert on value chains
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, January 18th 2022, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Africa Industrialisation & diversification
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Basic infrastructure for the development of Africa & trade : Inclusive and sustainable industrialization in the AfCFTA era 13:15 - 13:30
- Poorva Karkare, Expert on industrialisation & regional integration, ECDPM
- Building capacities for African economies diversification 13:30 - 13:45
- Chema Triki, Industrialisation Lead, Tony Blair Institute
- The African Union Commission & the continent industrialisation in the era of the AfCFTA 13:45 - 14:00
- Ron Osman Omar, Senior Policy Officer, Industry, Innovation and Mining Division, Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining Department African Union Commission
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Thursday 14th of April 2022, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Africa Post COP26 : Moving forward in the fight again climate change
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Climate finance : Leveraging climate-friendly investments & creating the right ecosystem 13:15 - 13:30
- Anna Lehmann, Global Climate Policy Director · Wildlife Works Carbon
- Policies to boost climate change integration, adaptation & technology transfer 13:30 - 13:45
- Jean Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division, UNECA
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, May 24th 2022, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Asia – Africa : Can the South East Asian development model be replicated in Africa to promote its development?
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Lessons & best practices from the South East Asian development model 13:15 - 13:30
- Mussie Delelegn Arega (PhD), Senior Economic Affairs Officer and Chief of Landlocked Developing Countries’ (LLDCs) Section, Division for Africa, LDCs and Special Programmes, UNCTAD
- Building the right development model & policies for Africa : what to take from the Asian model and adapt to the African realities? 13:30 - 13:45
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, July 19th 2022 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Africa China relationships : what can we expect and how to ensure fair & win-win exchanges?
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Insights on China-Africa relations to date 13:15 - 13:30
Dr. Allieu Badara Kabia, Senior lecturer and the Substantive Dean, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST)
- Foundation for fairer & win-win Africa China collaboration 13:30 - 13:45
- Guyde Moore, Senior Policy Fellow, the Center for Global Development (CGD)
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, September 15th 2022 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : Africa and the fourth Industrial Revolution
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Importance of ICT infrastructure and education/ digital literacy 13:15 - 13:30
- Building the right ecosystem 13:30 - 13:45
- ITU
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Monday, November 28th 2022 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic : How to scale up the successful development and finance of Africa’s regional and national infrastructure projects?
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of current African infrastructure projects 13:15 - 13:30
- Bongani Mankewu,Professional Associate, Infrastructure Development and Engagement Unit, Nelson Mandela University
- Improving public finance, including the private sector, boosting infrastructure 13:30 - 13:45
- Bakary Traoré, Africa Deputy Unity Chief, OECD Development Center
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45 - 14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, January 31st 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Creating and strengthening Africa Value Chain to integrate Global Value Chains
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Value Chains as a Vehicle for Development in Africa 13:15 - 13:30
Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo (PhD), African Union Commission
- Policies Aiming for Inclusion in Global Value Chains The Key to Unlocking Africa's Industrialization Potential 13:30 - 13:45
- Strategies to integrate African companies and African industries into global value chains 13:45 - 14:00
Arthur Minsat, Head Africa Unit, OECD Development Center
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, February 28th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Industrial Policy in the service of Africa’s development
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Role of industrial policies in Africa economic development 13:15 - 13:30
Pr. Raphael Kaplinsky, Honorary Professor, University of Sussex and Leading Economist and Development Scholar
- Creating internationally competitive industries for Africa’s development 13:30 - 13:45
Dr Marek Dabrowski, Non-Resident Scholar, Bruegel, Brussels
- Strategies & required investments to drive growth & job creation though industrialisation 13:45 - 14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, March 28th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Is a common policy for trade in Africa possible?
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of trade in Africa today and challenges to be addressed 13:15 - 13:30
Said Djellab, Former Minister of Trade and negotiator for the AfCFTA, Algeria
- Lessons from other regions common trade policy : Asia & Europe 13:30 - 13:45
Chiraz Bensemmane, CEO, Pitch World Fast
- The AfCFTA as an initial push for an African common policy for trade & economic integration 13:45 - 14:00
Dr. Roberto Echandi, Global Trade Specialist,Trade Unit of the Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment Global Practice of the World Bank Group (WBG)
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, April 25th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT (RESCHEDULED 15 AUGUST)
Topic: Is a common African policy for agriculture possible?
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of cooperation among African states in the area of agriculture and rural development. 13:15 - 13:30
Anthony Morrisson, CEO Chamber of Agribusiness, Ghana
- Lessons from other regions common agricultural policy & partnership opportunities with Africa 13:30 - 13:45
Sebastian Lakner - Europe
Dr. Guy Pe'er – Asia - Policies to Fostering economic growth through agricultural development and reforms in Africa’s region and on the continent 13:45 - 14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, May 30th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Ensuring Africa’s electrification & basic infrastructures & amenities
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of Africa’s electrification projects & infrastructure projects 13:15 - 13:30
Keiko Alvarez, Policy Analyst, Africa Desk, OECD Development Center
- Plan to accelerate the pace of electrification in Africa to achieve universal access and foster development 13:35 - 14:00
Anthony Mongameli Mehlwana, Economic Affairs Officer, PSDD Energy Infrastrcuture & Services Section, UNECA
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, June 27th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Africa & its international partners : ensuring Africa’s development agenda’s priorities
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of Africa’s partners on the continent and contribution to the continent 13:15 - 13:30
Marie-Noelle Nwokolo, Senior Researcher & Analyst, Brenthurst Foundation
- Africa’s Development Agenda and partnership strategy 13:30 - 13:45
Chiraz Bensemmane, CEO, Pitch World Fast
- Projects and partnership framework and to be built to support African’s economic transformation and development 13:45-14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, July 27th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT (RESCHEDULED 8 AUGUST 2023°)
Topic: Africa & Informal market : what model to integrate the informal market for Africa’s development & growth?
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of informaL market place & role in Africa today 13:15 - 13:30
- Supporting Africa's urban informal sector and its integration in the African economies 13:30 - 13:45
Himanshi Jain, Senior Social Protection Specialist, World Bank
- Polices and reforms for an adapted and integrated transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy in Africa 13:45-14:00
Annamarie K. Kiaga, Specialist on Informal Economy, Country Office for Zimbabwe and Namibia, ILO
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Wednesday, September 27th 2023 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT (RESCHEDULED 17th OCTOBER)
Topic: Ensuring Africa access to Energy
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of Africa Energy Mix, energy production, consumption & access 13:15 - 13:30
Tony Blair Institute
- Policies & strategies to ensure access to energy and integration of renewable energies in the African energy mix 13:30 - 13:45
ACET
UNECA - Leveraging Technology for better & greater access to energy for the benefit of Africa’s development 13:45-14:00
AU Commission
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, October 30th 2023, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: A gender policy for Africa’s development
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of gender policies and status on the African continent, Mainstreaming the question of gender in African policymaking ; ensure its integration in economic plan on national, regional and continental level 13:15 - 12:00
Chiraz Bensemmane, CEO Pitch World Fast
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, November 28th 2023 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Creating the right Public Private partnership for the success of the AfCFTA
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Framework for successful public private partnership 13:15 - 13:45
Thibault Mourgues, Managing Partner, Camden Advisory & PPP and energy consultant
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 13:45-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, April 2nd 2024, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Energy transition and industrialization in Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Powering Africa: A Roadmap for Sustainable Energy Transition 13:15 - 13:30
APPO
Tralac - Linking Policy Frameworks for Energy Transition and Industrialization in Africa 13:30-13:45
Tralac
- Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability 13:45-14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, April 30th 2024, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Movement of Goods and People in Africa in the Context of the AfCFTA
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Efficient Cross-Border Logistics: Improving the Flow of Goods in the AfCFTA & overview of initiatives 13:15 - 13:30
Chawki Jaballi, Head of Division Customs Capacity Building and Training, AfCFTA Secretariat
- People Mobility and Regional Integration: Harnessing the AfCFTA for Inclusive Growth 13:30-13:45
- Digital Transformation of Trade: Leveraging Technology for Efficient Supply Chains 13:45-14:00
Alastair Tempset, CEO, Ecommerce Forum Africa (EFA)
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, 7th of May 2024, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT (initially 26th of March)
Topic: Strengthening Professional and Vocational Skills in Africa to Foster Economic Development
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Building a Skilled Workforce - Vocational Training Programs for Sustainable Development 13:15 - 13:30
Keiko Alvarez, Policy Analyst, OECD Development Center
- Public-Private Partnerships for Skill Development: A Catalyst for Economic Transformation 13:30-13:45
- Policy Frameworks for Professional and Vocational Skills Development: A Path to Inclusive Growth 13:45-14:00
Prof. Tajudeen Adewumi Adebisi, Head,Department of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, May 28th 2024, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Strengthening Africa's Global Influence through Softpower and the Promotion of 'Made in Africa' Products
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- African Soft Power: Shaping Global Perceptions and Narratives 13:15 - 13:30
- The Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Global & Trade Relations : Case Studies 13:30-13:45
- The 'Made in Africa' Movement's Power to Foster Trust, Solidify Relationships, and Highlight the Diversity and Quality in African Products 13:45-14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, September 24th 2024 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Improving Governance for better trade in Africa through Data Collection
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Data-Driven Governance: A Catalyst for Sustainable Trade Development in Africa 13:15 - 13:30
- Challenges and Solutions: Enhancing Data Collection Systems for Improved Governance in Africa 13:30-13:45
ACET
UNECA - Technological Transformation: Using Data to Promote Accountability, Transparency, and Better Governance in African Trade 13:45-14:00
ATU
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, October 29th 2024, 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Innovative strategies for job creation in Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Overview of employment and job creation policies and status on the African continent 13:15 - 13:30
- Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: Driving Inclusive Job Growth in Afric 13:30-13:45
- Adapting Education for the Jobs of the Future 13:45-14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, November 26th 2024 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: Creating added value in the agricultural sector
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Agribusiness Innovation: Adding Value to the Agricultural Supply Chain 13:15 - 13:30
- Value-Added Processing: Transforming Raw Agricultural Products into High-Value Goods – case studies 13:30-13:45
- Innovative Financing for Agricultural Enterprises 13:45-14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30
Tuesday, December 17th 2024 , 12pm – 2.30pm GMT
Topic: investment in sustainable development in Africa
- Welcoming speech from the organisers 12:00 - 12:10
- Sharing of experiences from participating countries 12:10 - 13:15
- Investment Landscape for Sustainable Development in Africa 13:15 - 13:30
- Renewable Energy Investments: Powering Sustainable Futures in Africa – Case Studies & initiatives 13:30-13:45
- Circular Economy Investments: Nurturing Sustainable Business Practices 13:45-14:00
- Discussion & suggestion of a working plan 14:00-14:30
- Conclusion 14:30