Background
In December 2024, Africa will commemorate the 35th anniversary of Africa Industrialization Day (AID). Established in 1989, this day serves as a critical platform to acknowledge the continent's progress in industrial development while addressing the ongoing challenges it faces.
The journey of African industrialization began with a clear vision. In 1989, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the forerunner to the African Union (AU), declared Africa Industrialization Day during its 25th Ordinary Session. This declaration, later echoed by the United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the importance of industrial development for Africa's economic growth and prosperity.
Since then, Africa has made significant strides in its industrial landscape. Sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and information and communication technology (ICT) have witnessed notable growth. This progress is fueled by a young and dynamic workforce, coupled with growing investments in infrastructure and technological advancements.
Since 2018, Africa Industrialization Day (AID) has been celebrated with a week of events, dubbed "Africa Industrialization Week" (AIW). This shift allows for deeper discussions and activities around industrialization's critical role in Africa's development.
The Event
At this year’s Africa Industrialization Week (AIW), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, APRI will host a panel discussion on circular economy models for industrialization in Africa”. The AIW serves as a platform for showcasing industrialization opportunities across the continent, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and promoting sustainable development. The 5-day event will focus on how the continent can harness AI and green manufacturing innovations for sustainable and inclusive industrialization.
This side event, organized by APRI and AMDC with support from AUDA-NEPAD during Africa Industrialization Week 2024, will serve as a platform to discuss the intersection of circular economy and sustainable industrialization in Africa. The panel will focus on Africa’s technical and industrial capacity to harness circular resources and drive local minerals processing, highlighting innovations that make industrialization more efficient and environmentally sustainable. By examining advances in processing capacity, the discussion will explore how circular economy models can be effectively implemented in key sectors, such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, to drive sustainable economic growth. Additionally, the event will underscore the role of African innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in accelerating this transition and emphasize the environmental and economic benefits of local mineral processing.
This side event aims to:
- Advance Circular Economy Awareness for Industrialization: Raise awareness of the benefits that circular economy models offer for sustainable African industrialization, with a particular focus on building capacity within the mining and minerals sectors.
- Showcase African Innovation and Capacity: Highlight successful examples and innovative approaches developed in Africa for implementing circular economy principles, underscoring the continent’s growing technical expertise and industrial capacity for sustainable practices.
- Facilitate Policy Dialogue for Local Industrialization: Engage policymakers, industry leaders, and experts in discussions on creating supportive policy environments that facilitate local processing and circular economy initiatives, especially within the context of African industrialization.
- Strengthen Strategic Partnerships: Foster collaboration among governments, the private sector, and international development partners to accelerate the adoption of circular economy practices and support locally-driven industrial growth across Africa.
- Launch Key Publications: Present and discuss APRI’s latest research on circular economy models, emphasizing implications for sustainable African industrialization and local resource processing.
- Support Regional Integration and Capacity Building: Highlight the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in promoting regional collaboration and policy harmonization for circular economy initiatives, which enhance Africa’s self-sufficiency in resource processing.
- Encourage Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship: Explore how African-led technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship can drive the circular economy agenda, with a focus on empowering young African innovators to contribute to sustainable industrialization.
Target Audience
- Policymakers: Government officials from African Union Member States, particularly those in ministries related to industry, environment, and economic development.
- Industry Leaders: Senior executives from African and international companies involved in mining, manufacturing, and waste management.
- Development Partners: Representatives from international organizations, including UNECA, AfDB, and other bilateral and multilateral agencies.
- Academia and Research Institutions: Scholars and researchers specializing in circular economy, industrialization, and sustainable development.
- Civil Society and NGOs: Organizations focused on environmental sustainability, industrial development, and social equity.
- Young Innovators: Entrepreneurs and innovators engaged in developing circular economy solutions for the African context.
- Regional Economic Communities (RECs): Representatives from regional bodies involved in economic integration and industrial policy development.
The Panelists
Dr Evans D. Wala Chabala
Panel
E. D. Wala Chabala (PhD) is the founder of Romanzo Advisory, a consultancy specializing in strategy and economic policy. He lectures on Global Corporate Strategy and Innovation at the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).
Dr Tebogo Lefifi
Panel
Tebogo Lefifi (PhD) is a Senior Researcher at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town (UCT). Her research focuses on China-Africa investment relations, particularly the role of Chinese law in shaping outbound investments to Africa.
Dr Grasian Mkodzongi
Panel
Grasian Mkodzongi (PhD) is a Senior Researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala Sweden. His ongoing research focuses on the intersection of climate change, energy transition, critical minerals and economic development in Africa.
Moderation
Judy Hofmeyr
Moderator
Judy Hofmeyr is the Green Transition Minerals Fellow at the African Policy Research Institute (APRI) and a PhD researcher at the University of Manchester's Global Development Institute.