Special | Series

The Africa Industrial Relations Series

Africa’s industrialisation is a strategic imperative crucial for unlocking the continent’s vast potential. For Africa, industrialisation is not just a development strategy; it is a necessity to address systemic economic challenges, leverage abundant resources, and secure a sustainable future. This series of publications explores Africa’s journey toward industrialisation and recommends pathways for progress.

By Ada Mare, Serwah Prempeh
Published on Dec 12, 2024

Introduction

Industrialisation is a critical engine for economic growth and development, capable of transforming societies by creating wealth, reducing poverty, and fostering technological innovation. For Africa, the case for industrialisation is particularly compelling, given its vast resources, climate crisis, growing population, and the urgent need to diversify economies that remain heavily reliant on agriculture and raw material exports.

The pursuit of industrialisation remains central to Africa’s development agenda. However, the continent’s industrialisation journey has been marked by uneven progress, significant challenges, and untapped potential. While progress has been slow and uneven, the continent’s untapped potential offers a compelling case for optimism. This special series explores in detail exactly how to realise this untapped potential. The articles highlight success stories from across the continent and examine the factors behind these achievements. They also analyse the industrial relationships between Africa, Germany, and the European Union. Together, the four pieces provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current state of African industrial policy relations.

Industrialisation in Africa: Leading countries and reasons for their success

This piece explores success stories in industrialisation on the African continent, the drivers behind them and the learnings others should follow.

Read full here.

Navigating partnerships: Analysing EU-Africa industrial policy relations

By Horman Chitonge |   Oct 10, 2024

This piece explores industrial relations between Africa and the EU, from the Lome Convention to current day, and notes the asymmetries in this evolving dynamic.

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German-African industrial relations: insights and next steps

By Andreas FreytagStan du Plessis |   Sep 10, 2024

German-African industrial relations fall considerably short of their potential; in particular, German actors need a sober perspective on Africa.

Read full here.

Strategic industrial policy for sustainable development in Africa: the case of cement manufacturing

By Michael Ehis Odijie |   Aug 6, 2024

The article examines the decisive role of vertical industrial policies in fostering Africa's sustainable industrial growth, as proven by Nigeria and Morocco's successful elevation of their cement industries.

Read full here.

APRI does not take institutional positions on public policy issues. The views expressed in publications are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of APRI, its staff, or its board.

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