ADS 2024, Sub-theme 1 – Documentary Videos
In Focus
In case you missed it:
- Relive the actions during the High-level Policy Dialogue at the Africa Dialogue Series 2023, focusing on each sub-theme: Boosting Trade Facilitation and Rethinking the Foundations of Africa’s Export Diversification; Growing Middle Class and Continental Import Substitution: Connecting the Dots to Unlock Made in Africa; and Digital Services Trade: Great Potential but Regulatory Frameworks Are Urgent.
- Read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General at the High-level Policy Dialogue.
Week 2 | Day One — 8 May
For the second week of the Africa Dialogue Series 2023, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are working together to organize activities focusing on the sub-theme "Growing Middle Class and Continental Import Substitution: Connecting the Dots to Unlock Made in Africa." The week starts with a screening of the following documentaries.
UNIDO Presents
An introduction to the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA3) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
In the next decades, Africa is set to become the youngest and most populous continent in the world, with a working age population expected to grow by around 70 per cent.
Policymakers acknowledge that the continent’s economies need to undertake a systematic structural transformation from resource-based economies to more diversified economies, specifically by increasing the shares of manufacturing and agro-related industry in national investment, output, and trade.
The successful implementation of the AfCTFA will require enhanced and concerted efforts to address several critical areas related to industrial development.
Youth and entrepreneurship
Job Seekers? Job Creators!
Young people are our future; they need tools, methodologies and guidance to build the tomorrow that they want. With an innovative and entrepreneurial mind set, young people will make changes happen and will contribute to an inclusive and sustainable future.
Public-private partnerships are essential for youth programmes; UNIDO works with Scandia, Komatsu and many other companies as well as with Japan, Sweden, etc.
West Africa Competitiveness Programme
To be competitive means to build competence, productivity and ensure quality compliance of products and services. This can be a real challenge - especially for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries that often miss opportunities to participate in national and regional trade.
That's where the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), comes in.
This regional initiative, funded by EU and implemented by UNIDO and other agencies, aims to improve the performance and growth of selected value chains and to enhance the climate for business at national and regional level.
Quality Infrastructure Programme for Central Africa (PIQAC)
UNIDO's Quality Infrastructure Programme for Central Africa, the PIQAC, supported the improvement of quality at every stage of the quality infrastructure system throughout the Central African region.
The Programme ran for 4 years in 7 countries at the regional, governmental, private and public levels to strengthen the framework and institutions ensuring the quality of products and production processes. It also provided training to consumers, SMEs and small producers to raise awareness about the importance of quality and its pratices.
The project has been implemented by UNIDO in cooperation with the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and funded by the European Union (EU). Considering the results achieved and lessons learned during this pilot phase, the continuation of the project is now expected and fully justified to ensure long-term impacts on quality, economic growth and development in the region.
Supporting Livelihoods through Skills Training and Capacity Building in the SADC Region
The Supporting Livelihoods through Skills Training and Capacity Building in the SADC Region program seeks to foster human capital development in South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia through quality training in the management of natural resources that are critical to regional value chains and livelihoods. It will leverage national partners’ infrastructure and capabilities to accelerate community development programs resulting in employment creation, gender inclusion, sustainable natural resource management, and business operations.