Abidjan hosts african economic conference, launching a new network for continental resilience

The headquarters of the African Development Bank in Abidjan recently served as the vibrant venue for the 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC), a significant gathering co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Held from July 10 to 12, this year’s conference focused on the critical theme of « Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Agency and Commercial Resilience in a Multipolar World ».

Souleymane Diarrassouba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development, officially inaugurated the proceedings. The comprehensive discussions and presentations attracted an impressive online audience, with more than 4,000 participants tuning in virtually.

Introducing the African Chief Economists Network

A pivotal outcome of the conference was the official establishment of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network), a landmark announcement made on the final day. This innovative platform is designed to synchronize the continent’s diverse economic expertise and to harmonize public policies, particularly in response to complex global disruptions.

The ACE-Network is poised to develop tailored solutions for the intricate challenges Africa faces amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Professor Kevin Urama, Vice-President of the African Development Bank, underscored the imperative for the continent to fortify its knowledge systems, thereby enhancing its influence within the global financial order.

From dependency to strategic autonomy

Speakers at the conference consistently advocated for a fundamental shift: prioritizing the local transformation of resources over their raw export. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, articulated that Africa’s inherent economic strength represents its most potent geopolitical leverage.

Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist for UNDP Africa, cautioned that ongoing global uncertainties would continue to test the resilience of African institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice-President of the African Development Bank Group, issued a call to action, urging that the conference’s valuable recommendations be translated into tangible decisions and concrete measures.

Côte d’Ivoire’s pivotal role

Abidjan has proudly hosted the African Development Bank’s permanent headquarters since 2014, following its return from Tunis where the institution had temporarily relocated during Côte d’Ivoire’s period of crisis. This strategic positioning has solidified the Ivorian economic capital’s reputation as a key diplomatic and financial hub across West Africa.

The successful organization of this major conference further underscores Abidjan’s crucial role in shaping discussions about the continent’s economic future. Côte d’Ivoire, recognized as the leading economy within the West African Economic and Monetary Union, remains committed to advancing infrastructure development and fostering the local transformation of its primary commodities, notably cocoa.

Boosting intra-african trade and decision sovereignty

Central to the deliberations was the urgent need to stimulate trade among African nations, an area currently hampered by tariff barriers and inadequate infrastructure. Rather than merely aligning with external geopolitical blocs, participants passionately advocated for genuine economic decision sovereignty for the continent.

The conclusions, released on July 12 and 13, presented a clear vision: building a resilient and prosperous Africa, capable of asserting its influence in global trade negotiations. The newly launched African Chief Economists Network is envisioned as an essential instrument to translate this ambitious goal into coordinated, continent-wide policies.