Africa's industrial moment is here to deliver jobs
Africa's industrial moment can't wait. With the promise of a 1.5-billion-person market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a rising generation of innovators, and deep untapped industrial potential, Africa is laying the groundwork for a new era of production.
But momentum alone isn't enough. The question now is whether this shift can be matched by the right kind of policy and delivery and that's where The United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (Unido) latest Africa Industrial Development Report comes in.
I had the opportunity to speak at the report launch in Johannesburg last month. The report focuses on a new era of industrial policy in Africa through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals.
It zeroes in on three critical goals: SDG 7 on clean and affordable energy, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.
The message was clear that Africa is at a critical inflection point with progress within reach if we act boldly to close the gaps in energy access, job creation and industrial capacity.
On SDG 7, there's good news and tough news in the report. Energy access across the continent now sits at 58 percent, improving faster than any other indicator at 1.12 percentage points per year.
But the continent is still 67 percentage points behind on clean energy. North Africa is pulling ahead on both access and affordability, with Southern and Northern Africa leading on clean energy adoption.
Our renewables, sun, wind, hydro, and geothermal, give us a real chance to leapfrog into a clean energy future. However, we won't get there without investment in generation, grids and local capacity to manufacture clean technology.
On SDG 8, the challenge is how Africa translates economic growth into jobs. The data shows that growth was slowing before COVID-19, exposing deep structural weaknesses.
Youth unemployment and gender inequality continue to rise. When you zoom in, the picture is mixed: North Africa has had strong GDP growth but has struggled to convert this into job creation.
Southern Africa faces a dual challenge of sluggish growth and high unemployment. Eastern Africa is faring better on both fronts, with relatively stronger growth and job creation. Central Africa, meanwhile, lags across the board a clear signal for urgent and targeted reform.
SDG9 is where the continent appears to be furthest off track. The continent's performance in industry, innovation and infrastructure is lagging significantly. Infrastructure investment was gaining traction before the pandemic but has since lost steam.
So, how do we shift gears? Private sector leadership and government coordination are two non-negotiables.
Let's start with the private sector. Across Africa, private enterprise drives 90 percent of production, 80 percent of employment, and 70 percent of GDP.
You simply can't design credible or effective industrial strategy and policy without this demographic in the room. Private sector-led growth isn't a nice-to-have — it's the engine of jobs, exports and resilience.
Yet, too often, industrial strategies are designed in isolation, without meaningful input from the very firms expected to utilise them.
That needs to change. Going forward, governments should institutionalise structured public–private dialogue not just at launch but throughout the entire policy cycle. This means engaging businesses early, co-developing sector roadmaps, and creating feedback loops to adjust policies in real time.
Government coordination is the next lever for government to move beyond good intentions. Many countries have well-articulated industrial plans, but their impact is often diluted by overlapping mandates, weak inter-ministerial coordination, and a disconnect between strategy and delivery. What's needed is a 'full stack' approach to industrial policy that moves from ambition to action.
This starts with strategy. Industrial policy must be anchored in a national vision and championed at the highest level. All ministries from finance and trade to energy and education need to be aligned behind a single direction of travel.
But a strategy is only useful if it's translated into investable, executable plans. Next comes policy, the rulebook of incentives, regulations, and trade frameworks. These need to be grounded in market realities and responsive to firm-level needs.
But the real bottleneck is often delivery. Execution requires a system: cross-government coordination, clear KPIs, timelines, and a mechanism to track results and course correct in real time.
And finally, technology which is now the most essential and transformative tool in government's hands, whether it's tracking industrial performance, targeting subsidies, or managing regulatory compliance. We need to treat digital tools as part of the core infrastructure of modern industrial policy.
The Africa Industrial Development Report is a call to action. We know what's not working. We also know what's possible. Now it's time to deliver. Africa doesn't need more strategies gathering dust. It needs more jobs. And it needs them now.
The writer is an Industrial Policy, Governance and Private Sector Development Expert and currently Senior Advisor (Global Lead), Industry & Commerce at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
© Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Zawya
Jordan Source strengthens tech and investment ties in Europe with an official delegation to Germany
A high-level delegation from Jordan Source, representing the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE), continued the program's efforts to activate collaboration, transfer knowledge, and build bridges between Jordan and European innovation powerhouses, spearheading an official visit to Germany. The delegation, which included 16 representatives from both public and private sectors, focused on attracting foreign investment and showcasing Jordan's growing capabilities in the ICT and outsourcing industries. Led by MoDEE officials, the business delegation featured representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MoITS) and Jordan Export. The government officials were accompanied by leaders from prominent Jordanian tech companies, which included CEOs and founders Alaa Muqattash of Advanced Business Solutions (ABS); Ahmad Bourini of Denamica; Yazan Tadros of EduHax; Zaidoun Karadsheh of Media Plus and BeeLabs; Omar Asa'd of SmartEye; and Faris Aloul of Vamu. Each of these companies corresponded to Jordan Source's strategic focus areas, including cybersecurity, gaming, information technology outsourcing (ITO), business processing outsourcing (BPO), education technology, and creative industries. Held from 3rd to 9th of May, the visit was organized by Jordan Source with support from MoITS and the Innovative Private Sector Development Approaches for Employment Promotion (I-PSD) project, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This collaboration, further supported by Gateway Jordan—led by Oliver Gerbert—and the Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation, aimed to ensure comprehensive access to key stakeholders and innovation hubs across Germany, thereby maximizing opportunities for impactful engagements and the establishment of valuable connections. The delegation kicked off their activities in Berlin (3–7 May) with a visit to the Startup Unit of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) to explore Germany's startup support models and exchange insights on digital innovation. The delegation then continued to engage with the German Startups Association in an open discussion on ecosystem building, data-driven policymaking, and startup advocacy, gaining deeper insights into how the association supports over 1,200 members across all levels and regions. Furthermore, the trip to Berlin explored joint investments between Jordan and Germany in future-ready skills and workforce developments. The delegation shared its vision and innovations in digital learning with the Digital Education Lab (DEL) by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), as well as Christiani Competence Centres, opening the doors for collaboration in digital and vocational education. Wrapping up the first part of the official visit, Jordan Source met with RESPOND Accelerator by BMW Foundation for an exchange on impact-driven startups and leaders shaping the future of sustainable innovation. This dialogue laid the foundation for fostering purpose-led tech and building global partnerships that drive positive change. Upon landing in Saarbrücken (7–9 May), the Jordan Source delegation strategically aimed to establish high-level connections and showcase Jordan's tech sector. A key briefing with the Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation introduced Jordan's leading technology companies to the European stage, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and highlighting mutual economic opportunities. The delegation also dedicated significant time to exploring the forefront of German research and innovation. Visits to leading institutions such as DFKI, specializing in advanced AI, and the dynamic innovation hub at Universität des Saarlandes provided invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies and the synergy between academia and entrepreneurship. These engagements aimed to foster potential avenues for joint research, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of best practices. Furthermore, the delegation immersed itself in Saarbrücken's vibrant innovation ecosystem to identify concrete collaboration opportunities and strategic alliances. Interactions with collaborative spaces like East Side Fab and Halle 4 facilitated direct engagement with startups and ecosystem builders. Parallel discussions with The August-Wilhelm Scheer Institute and Dehub AI focused on leveraging digital transformation and applied AI to enhance Jordan's role in the global tech value chain, actively seeking tangible partnerships for long-term growth and mutual benefit. Jordan Source's successful visit to Germany underscores its mission to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for ICT investments and outsourcing. By building bridges between Jordanian and German tech ecosystems, the mission highlights Jordan's role as a rising leader in the global digital economy.
Arabian Business
11 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar Airways signs agreement for Middle East's first digital aircraft painting facility
Qatar Airways has signed a strategic agreement with Barzan Holdings and Satys Aerospace to establish a widebody aircraft painting facility at Dukhan Air Base. The collaboration forms part of a long-term partnership between the three organisations, aimed at enhancing Qatar's aviation ecosystem through country capability building, technology transfer, and innovation, the airline said in a statement. The facility will be the first widebody Satys paint facility in the region to feature digital technology aircraft painting. It will accommodate commercial, VIP, and military aircraft, with two widebody paint facilities and a multipurpose hangar for light maintenance activities. Qatar Airways, Satys Aerospace launch regional aircraft painting centre with digital technology 'This partnership delivers strategic aviation infrastructure that serves both our national and regional ambitions. Together with Barzan Holdings and Satys, we are introducing breakthrough technologies by building local capabilities that will define the future of Qatar's aerospace sector. This facility reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering Qatari talent,' Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer said. The facility will serve as a regional hub for airline operators across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, offering access to painting services that reduce aircraft ground time by eliminating the need to ferry aircraft overseas for livery changes or repainting. The facility will use digital technology with future plans for automatic robotic painting, leveraging paint systems that include energy-efficient booths and waste management controls. 'This strategic agreement reflects our commitment to advancing Qatar's defence and aerospace capabilities through meaningful, future-focused partnerships. The development of a one-of-its-kind aircraft painting facility in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Satys will position Qatar as a regional centre of excellence while serving both military and civil aviation needs. It also reinforces our dedication to enabling local industry, building specialised skills, and supporting the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,' Eng. Mohammed Bader AlSadah, Barzan Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer added. The facility will enable dual-use operations, supporting both civil and defence aviation needs by meeting respective technical and safety specifications, aligning with Qatar's strategy to localise high-value services and champion local aerospace expertise. The initiative reflects the commitment of Qatar Airways and Barzan Holdings to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by building industrial capabilities, creating skilled jobs and promoting Qatar as a leader in aviation technology and services. 'We are proud of our partnership initiated in 2021 and remain dedicated to delivering our best to the Barzan Holdings and Qatar Airways. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in quality, innovation and turnaround time,' Christophe Cador, Satys Aerospace Chief Executive Officer explained.
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
Kirsty Coventry Unveils Collaborative & Inclusive International Olympic Committee (IOC) Leadership Vision at First Public Media Roundtable
In her first major media appearance since being elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry offered a strikingly human portrait of the leader she intends to be: humble, collaborative, and unwaveringly grounded in the values of sport, equity, and Olympism, as she addressed international media during an online open roundtable on Zoom this afternoon. FIRST WOMAN&AFRICAN Speaking candidly for over an hour, the Zimbabwean reflected on the life journey that brought her from the pools of Harare to the corridors of Olympic power in Lausanne. Her presidency, set to begin officially on Olympic Day, 23 June 2025, will mark a historic moment as she becomes the first woman and first African to lead the IOC. GROUNDED LEADERSHIP Coventry made it clear that her leadership will not be rooted in authority, but in consensus and a collaborative, human-centred vision: 'In both my personal and professional career, I've always had incredible people around me to keep me grounded and humble; those are people whom I will continue to keep around me.' She added: 'Values are at the core of our daily business, they're incredibly important in today's communities, and I hold this very close to my heart.' WHY IOC FORUMS MATTER Replying to a question from Japan's Wakako Yuki on the role of IOC Forums in attribute Conventry's vision as president, "I have a vision that I would like to see, but I want to do it in a collaborative way. The Athletes Forum, eSport, Olympism365, the two ASOIF and WOF General Assemblies have been great platforms to listen to people, to hear topics that are important to them." 2ND MEDIA ROUNDTABLE IN SIGHT Coventry announced that immediately following the IOC Session on June 23-24, she has invited members to stay for a two-day 'pause and reflect' workshop, an opportunity for honest dialogue about the IOC's challenges and future direction: "I've invited the IOC members to stay two extra days so that I can hear what is on their mind and what they see as our opportunities and what they may see as our challenges, as we move into the future and come up with different ideas. This is the first point in a longer consultation process with all stakeholders, including yourselves as media, where we'll create another round table where I'll get to ask you all a bunch of questions. That will strengthen the Olympic movement in a collaborative way." VALUES CARRIED TO IOC PRESIDENCY Nadine Hassan from Jordan asked Kirsty, looking back on her journey, from Olympic champion to minister and now IOC President, which moments off the podium had the greatest impact in shaping the person she is today? "I'll need a moment to properly reflect on this. I think I'd have to go back to my roots. Growing up in Zimbabwe played a huge role. It's a small community in many ways. We're a big country geographically, but we're just 15 million people, and we lean on each other. "I think that kind of upbringing, maybe a bit more sheltered, surrounded by strong values and close-knit support, helped me understand the importance of having grounded, humble, genuine people around me. And it's those people who've consistently reminded me of where I come from. That's been one of the most powerful influences throughout my journey. CHALLENGES, AND DIFFICULT MEN.. New York Times reporter Tariq Panja referenced Coventry's previous remarks about dealing with 'difficult men.' She smiled knowingly and recounted the pressures she faced as a young Olympic medallist representing Zimbabwe during politically turbulent times: "As athletes, we had a lot of pressure coming from different government officials in Zimbabwe, and you know, it was hard. To look at others and trying to say, I'm an athlete, I don't believe in the politics in sport. I want to just focus on performing well," She said, without names mentioned, 'Looking back now, it taught me a lot about how to work with people, how to be respectful of differing opinions and still move forward on a shared agenda." WOMEN SUPPORT WOMEN USA's Rachel Axon asked, How has your career been shaped by other women at various career points, adding the gender equality initiatives to your role as female IOC President. Conventry highlighted the women who shaped her path, from her mother and grandmother to her university head swim coach, even Olympic trailblazers like Donna de Varona: She said,"My grandfather passed away when Mom was in her late teens. And so my grandmother was a single mom for most of her life, with three kids, and both were just incredibly strong women who raised families, and I think my mom's pretty great, and my uncle and aunt. She did a great job, but she also had a successful career in fashion. My mum got to see her doing that, so she was always an incredible role model for my sister and I." She adds: "My swim coach, Kim, who became a Division I coach while her husband was deployed overseas, with two very young kids, watching how she balanced that was inspiring. When we were preparing for the 2004 Olympics, her eldest came to Athens as a baby.. Again, I've been fortunate in my life to have very strong women around me who have shown me that it's possible. It's not always easy, but it's possible," noting her hope to pay that inspiration forward, especially for her two daughters. AFRICAN HERITAGE A question from China's Mandan Zhu touched on Coventry's rich international background and the impact of her African heritage, coming from Harare to Lausanne as a little girl with big dreams,"I can remember exactly where I was standing in my parents' living room. I was still in my swimsuit, feeling cold after swimming in the pool, only to stand in front of the TV and watch divers compete. I would say that there's never a dream too big. "You know, where there is a will to achieve, there's a way. And don't let someone talk you out of having that dream of what could be the best thing that happens to you. It's quite powerful." WEIGHT OF BEING 'FIRST' British journalist Jamie Gardner asked Coventry about the significance of becoming the IOC's first female president at this particular moment in history. While she admitted it wasn't something she initially focused on, the outpouring of messages from women around the world has since left a powerful mark: 'I had a coworker tell me that his mum said, 'Never in my lifetime did I think I'd see a woman lead the movement you work for.'' That moment, she admitted, hit her deeply. 'It's not just an exciting day, it's a day with a lot of responsibility.' FROM SYDNEY TO BRISBANE Australia, particularly the Sydney 2000 Games, remains a defining touchstone for Coventry's Olympic journey. Asked about her journey coming full circle, from a wide-eyed young swimmer at Sydney 2000 to President for Brisbane 2032, Coventry shared a funny tale about struggling to put on her first Speedo sharkskin suit, helped up by none other than Australian legend Susie O'Neill: 'When we arrived in Sydney, I went into the changing room to try my Speedo suit on, and it turned into a total disaster. I had one leg in, was struggling to get the other in, lost my balance completely, and toppled over. Mortifying. Then this amazing person next to me leans down to help, and as I look up, I realise… It's Susie. I never forget that moment because she was a role model to me, those Games, changed everything for me,' she recalled. 'Now I hope Brisbane will show the world the warmth and passion of Australia, and inspire the next generations like Sydney did for me.' LIFTING VOICES As the media roundtable with IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry progressed, her clarity of purpose sharpened further. In a movement often shaped by the world's most powerful nations, Coventry made a point of bringing attention to her roots, and how they shape her priorities: 'I come from a much smaller NOC, a developing country,' she said of Zimbabwe. 'And I understand the challenges our athletes face. How do we close that gap? How do we ensure that athletes from all walks of life, if not with the same opportunities, at least have equal opportunities?' Coventry affirms that she intends to elevate voices often left on the margins. Her presidency, she hinted, will focus as much on inclusion as it will on innovation. LEARNING FROM YOUNG GENERATIONS Perhaps the most poignant reminder of who Coventry is, and who she intends to be as IOC President, came when she spoke about her own children. 'They're a daily reminder of our responsibility to keep sport relevant, and to listen, really listen, to what young people think is important. Kids are honest,' she said with a smile. 'And sometimes that's a very good thing.' Her two young daughters, she explained, are constant reminders that sport must remain relevant and engaging for younger generations. Despite the gravity of her new role, Coventry remains adamant about keeping her family grounded: 'We won't be staying in the Lausanne Palace. I want my kids to grow up doing the same things I did, making their beds, doing house chores, and just being kids.' ROAD AHEAD As Kirsty Coventry prepares to officially assume the role on June 23, her message is one of optimism, inclusivity, and integrity. With the weight of history on her shoulders and the wind of lived experience at her back, she is poised not just to lead the Olympic Movement but to reshape it for the modern age, starting by one athlete, one story, one honest conversation at a time. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
