The key takeaways
- Dates: The African Economic Conference took place from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Abidjan
- Organizers: Co-hosted by the African Development Bank, UNDP, and OECD
- New initiative: Launch of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network) on July 12
- Participation: Over 4,000 virtual attendees across three days
From July 10 to 12, 2026, the bustling city of Abidjan became the epicenter of African economic dialogue as the African Economic Conference (AEC) unfolded at the headquarters of the African Development Bank. This year’s event, co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, centered on the theme ‘Strengthening Africa’s geopolitical influence and trade resilience in a multipolar world.’
The conference kicked off with remarks from Souleymane Diarrassouba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development. Over the three-day period, the discussions attracted more than 4,000 online participants, reflecting the growing urgency of continental economic challenges.
A new era for African economic leadership
On the final day, a groundbreaking initiative was unveiled: the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network). This platform is designed to consolidate the continent’s economic expertise and foster unified policy responses to global economic shocks. Speaking at the launch, Professor Kevin Urama, Vice President of the African Development Bank, emphasized the critical need for Africa to bolster its knowledge systems to shape the global financial order.
The network aims to address the continent’s complex challenges amid rising geopolitical fragmentation. By fostering collaboration among leading economists, ACE-Network seeks to drive evidence-based policymaking and strategic decision-making across Africa.
From raw exports to value-added transformation
Discussions highlighted the importance of shifting from exporting unprocessed resources to developing local industries. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa, noted that Africa’s economic sovereignty is its most powerful geopolitical asset. She argued that the continent must harness its natural wealth to build resilience rather than remain dependent on external markets.
Raymond Gilpin, UNDP Chief Economist for Africa, cautioned that global uncertainties will continue to test the continent’s institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank, urged participants to move beyond recommendations and translate them into tangible actions. She stressed that the conference’s conclusions must lead to measurable policy changes.
Abidjan’s rising influence in continental economics
Abidjan has been the permanent home of the African Development Bank since 2014, following its return from a temporary relocation to Tunis during Côte d’Ivoire’s political crisis. Today, the city stands as a vital diplomatic and financial hub in West Africa, reinforcing its role in shaping the continent’s economic future.
The decision to host this conference in Abidjan underscores the city’s strategic importance. As the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Côte d’Ivoire is advancing infrastructure development and local processing of commodities like cocoa, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable economic growth.
Boosting intra-African trade and economic independence
The debates underscored the need to enhance trade within Africa, which remains constrained by tariffs and inadequate infrastructure. Participants rejected the idea of aligning with external geopolitical blocs, advocating instead for genuine economic decision-making sovereignty.
The final communiqué, released on July 12 and 13, called for the creation of a resilient and prosperous Africa capable of influencing global trade negotiations. The ACE-Network was presented as a pivotal tool to implement these ambitions through coordinated continental policies.