The 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC) concluded on Sunday in Abidjan with a call for stronger economic, trade, and geopolitical resilience across Africa, as the continent seeks to navigate a rapidly changing global economy through deeper cooperation among governments, development institutions, and international partners.
Held from July 10 to 12 at the headquarters of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group under the theme “Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Agency and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World,” the conference brought together economists, researchers, policymakers, and experts from across Africa and beyond. The event was jointly organized by the AfDB, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
At the close of the three-day gathering, organizers stressed that the recommendations emerging from the discussions must now be translated into concrete public policies and practical actions aimed at advancing economic integration and structural transformation across the continent. Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist at the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, noted that global economic storms will continue to test African institutions, but they can never erode the fundamental wealth and resilience of Africa’s people. He went on to urge development partners to sustain efforts toward building a resilient and prosperous Africa.
Representing AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah, the bank’s Senior Vice President, Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade, said the deliberations had provided a solid foundation for shaping future economic policies and strengthening Africa’s geopolitical influence as well as its trade resilience. For her part, Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, called for maintaining the momentum generated by the conference through the removal of trade barriers, the development of regional value chains, support for innovation, and increased investment in Africa’s youth.
The 2026 edition of the African Economic Conference was also marked by the launch of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE Network). This initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration among the continent’s leading economic institutions and enhance the production of policy-oriented economic analysis to support Africa’s development agenda.
TE/Sf/lb/abj/APA