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.