African policymakers and development experts have called for stronger institutions, increased investment in innovation, and deeper regional trade cooperation as key steps towards building a resilient and prosperous continent.
The call was made at the closing ceremony of the 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC) held from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the headquarters of the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The conference, organised by the African Development Bank Group, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), brought together economists, researchers, policymakers and development partners to discuss Africa’s economic future under the theme: “Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Agency and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World.”
Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist and Head of the Strategy, Analysis and Research Team at the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, said global economic uncertainties would continue to challenge African economies but urged countries to leverage the continent’s human capital and institutional partnerships. He said Africa’s future would depend on collective action, determination and policies that promote resilience.
OECD Senior Policy Advisor Ida McDonnell also stressed the need for governments to adopt more integrated approaches to policymaking, noting that trade, debt, investment, climate action and development finance are increasingly interconnected. She emphasised the importance of sharing reliable data to support better economic decisions across the continent.
The African Development Bank’s Senior Vice President, Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade, who represented the bank’s President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, said discussions from the conference provided a foundation for policies and partnerships aimed at strengthening Africa’s influence in global affairs and improving trade resilience.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, urged African countries to sustain the momentum from the conference by removing trade barriers, supporting African businesses, strengthening regional value chains and equipping young people with skills for the global economy.
The Conference also hosted the annual meeting of the Global Network of Chief Economists of Development and Financing Institutions and witnessed the launch of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE Network), aimed at promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Africa’s leading economic experts.